The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) is pleased to announce the addition of Rob Herndon to their team. Rob will begin contributing to the ELI mission on August 15th as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. His leadership and management skills honed over twenty-one years as an officer in the United States Air Force combined with his eight years of experience in education make him well-prepared to contribute to the implementation of the ELI strategic plan.
“I’ve always felt that education is the key to solving many of society’s problems. The work being done at ELI educates all segments of society in developing an entrepreneurial mindset which can make an individual’s dreams become a reality. That to me is the highest purpose of education, bringing fulfillment and joy to people’s lives, no matter their current situation.” This statement upon his hiring reflects Rob’s passion for helping others achieve their goals which has been a hallmark of his work in the past.
After fifteen years serving as either an engineering manager or pilot within the Air Force, Rob’s leadership skills led to him being selected to command the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachment at Utah State University (USU). He led a small team of assistant professors and staff who were designing and delivering curriculum to over 100 students per year. He also enjoyed teaching the senior level class on leadership and national security. Rob later held a regional position for Air Force ROTC where he helped manage the relationship between the Air Force and 34 partner universities.
Rob’s first foray into the field of education solidified his belief in the power of an individual’s mindset to create new realities for themselves and those around them. He saw young university students walk in the door unsure about their life ahead. After just a few years of training in the ROTC program, he saw these students head into their careers as leaders ready to overcome any obstacle.
Rob has been in the classroom from high school to university, and he has served in a leadership position at a community college. As Associate Dean of Business and Technology at Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC), Rob was first exposed to ELI through the implementation of the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program at the college. Rob mentored numerous faculty members on their role with Ice House and entrepreneurship at PPCC.
When hearing about Rob’s move to ELI, PPCC Economics Faculty and Certified Ice House Facilitator Warren Munick said: “Rob Herndon was supportive of the college’s efforts to foster an entrepreneurial mindset by encouraging faculty to explore innovative approaches to learning. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
Rob’s positive impact in former positions in the military and at the university, community college and high school levels have given him the necessary skills to excel in his client engagement, product development, thought leadership, and training roles for ELI. Rob shared: “I’m excited to meet ELI’s partners and help to achieve the goals of the organization on all fronts. With time and effort, I hope to contribute greatly to ELI’s continued growth and worldwide impact.”
Rob will work closely with President Bree Langemo to execute ELI’s vision and strategic priorities.
“Having worked with Rob in the past, I know that Rob’s leadership strengths can propel ELI forward. I’ve seen Rob build significant partnerships and develop meaningful relationships and know that he will do the same with our clients. His experience across all spectrums of education provides him a unique perspective in which ELI and our clients will greatly benefit,” said President Bree Langemo.
The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) is a global thought leader dedicated to expanding human potential through entrepreneurial mindset education. ELI serves academic institutions, government agencies, profit and non-profit organizations around the world to empower their constituents with an entrepreneurial mindset through professional development training, facilitator certification, and curriculum content. ELI Operations are headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, but ELI staff are located all around the country and world. Rob will be based in Williamsburg, Virginia.