Rob Kerr

Rob Kerr is the Executive Director of Innovation and Opportunity at the University of Illinois Springfield. He is leading the development of the university’s downtown innovation center, which will serve as the regional hub of business and social innovation, economic development, public policy advancement, and professional training. Programs that will be part of the innovation center include Innovate Springfield, the university-led business incubator, the ION Professional eLearning Program, and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education.

Rob previously served as the Deputy Director for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Dean of Enrollment and Career Programs and Registrar at Richland Community College, and the Director of Career and Technical Education at the Illinois Community College Board. In addition, he spent 20 years as an adjunct professor at UIS and Benedictine University.

Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA from Benedictine University. He is completing his doctorate in public administration at UIS with an emphasis in public policy. He is currently working on his dissertation, exploring the impact of social networks on venture growth funding outcomes for underrepresented entrepreneurs.