Leading entrepreneurial excellence | Larry Plummer
In 2024, the UCCS College of Business welcomed Larry Plummer, Ph.D. as the El Pomar Chair in Business & Entrepreneurship. Plummer also serves as an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship.
Plummer's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Television, Radio, and Film Production from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1992. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts in International Science, Technology, and Public Policy from The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs in 1999. In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Before joining UCCS, Plummer held several notable academic positions. He was an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and the Donald G. and Elizabeth R. Ness Faculty Fellow in Entrepreneurship at Canada’s top-ranked Ivey Business School. While at Ivey, Plummer was the director of Ivey’s New Venture Project, which supported the launch of several of Canada’s fastest growing businesses.
Plummer is an expert on regional entrepreneurial dynamics and the role of entrepreneurship in local economic development. His research has been published in top journals, including the "Journal of Business Venturing," "Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice," and the "Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal." He has received awards from the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Academy of Management Best Paper Proceedings and is a three-time recipient of the Ivey Research Merit Award.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Plummer is committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Plummer leads several initiatives dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Under his leadership is the El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization (EPIIC), which helps individuals and organizations transform innovative ideas into economic opportunities. With a strong emphasis on communication, collaboration, and resource-sharing, EPIIC aims to build a thriving startup community, particularly in Southern Colorado.
In regards to EPIIC, Plummer states, “My predecessor Dr. Tom Duening deserves a lot of credit for laying the foundation of what we’re building at EPIIC today. I would also like to recognize Luke Doster, EPIIC Program & Outreach Manager. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Their contributions and the support of the El Pomar Foundation have been invaluable in pushing our entrepreneurial programs forward.”
Beyond EPIIC, Plummer oversees the Center for Entrepreneurship, which promotes entrepreneurship, venture creation, and economic development in Southern Colorado. The center achieves these goals through extensive research, teaching, and service activities. Its faculty members are active scholars and authors, presenting their work on entrepreneurship in venues around the world. Additionally, the center supports students by offering an entrepreneurship minor, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their own business ventures.
A new and exciting initiative under Plummer’s guidance is the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV). This premier training program is designed exclusively for post-9/11 veterans who aspire to start and grow their own businesses. The data-driven program provides cutting-edge business education, hands-on training, and ongoing support—all at no cost to participants. By equipping veterans with the skills and resources they need to succeed as entrepreneurs, the EBV program not only empowers individuals, but also strengthens the broader economic landscape.
“We are actively recruiting students, mentors, and industry experts to collaborate and contribute to our various efforts and programs. I am seeking specialized experts in areas like intellectual property law, access to capital, and key industry sectors like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and human performance,” said Plummer.
With a focus on providing students with hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, mentorship, and business planning, Plummer encourages anyone interested in contributing their time, talent, or resources to connect with him and join the voyage toward entrepreneurship excellence.
The College of Business is grateful to have Plummer and eagerly anticipates the positive impact that UCCS entrepreneurship programs will continue to have on our community.