Board Member Spotlight: Ben Williams

For Ben Williams, Executive Director of the Davis School of Business at Colorado Mesa University, USASBE has been much more than a professional organization, it has been a community that has shaped his career for more than a decade. Encouraged by longtime mentor and USASBE leader Jeff Hornsby to attend his first conference, Ben quickly discovered the value of connecting with fellow entrepreneurship educators, learning from innovative teaching practices, and building relationships that have lasted throughout his career.

After years of serving on committees, leading a Special Interest Group, and giving back to the organization, Ben now serves on the USASBE Board of Directors and is actively involved with the Conference Commission and the new Membership Task Force, where he enjoys collaborating with colleagues to solve challenges and strengthen the member experience. He believes entrepreneurship educators are natural problem-solvers, and helping USASBE continue to grow is one of the most rewarding parts of board service.

Ben's passion lies in helping students and entrepreneurs build sustainable business models that solve meaningful problems. Whether working with for-profit ventures, social enterprises, or rural entrepreneurs, he believes entrepreneurship is a powerful force for positive change. More than any personal accomplishment, he says he is most proud of the success of the students, colleagues, and entrepreneurs he has had the opportunity to support throughout his career.

When asked what makes USASBE special, Ben's answer is simple: community. He credits the organization with providing not only practical ideas he has brought back to his classroom but also lifelong friendships and a network of colleagues he can rely on both professionally and personally. His advice to first-time conference attendees is to attend the presentations, but don't skip the evening receptions and social events. Those conversations often become the connections that last long after the conference ends.

Looking ahead, Ben believes entrepreneurship education is more important than ever. As higher education continues to evolve, he sees USASBE leading the way through innovative, experiential teaching and a shared commitment to helping educators make a greater impact. He encourages every member to get involved, reminding us that USASBE is "run by the members, for the members," and that every voice has the opportunity to help shape its future.

A few fun facts about Ben:

• Born in England, he's a lifelong soccer fan and enjoys following the Premier League and international matches.

• He loves to travel and is the proud father of an energetic young son.

• If he could start any business just for fun, it would either be a cozy pub in rural England or, much more practically, a laundromat, thanks to its wonderfully simple business model!