The Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub has named Lewis Sheats as its inaugural associate vice chancellor and executive director, the organization announced today.

“What has always motivated me is helping people build something of their own,” Sheats said in a statement. “Universities are powerful places for ideas to grow, and UW-Madison has a remarkable history of bringing big ideas to life. I’m looking forward to building partnerships on campus and across the state to help foster an environment where more people can confidently pursue entrepreneurial paths.”

Most recently, Sheats served as executive director of the Saint Louis University Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship, and prior to that, at North Carolina State University as assistant vice provost for entrepreneurship.

As previously reported, Sheats will develop and execute a strategic plan, build partnerships with industry and regional organizations and create bridges across UW-Madison’s schools, colleges and centers.

He will begin the role on Feb. 2.