Jon Down

Jon Down is Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Portland, where he is currently leading an effort to develop a graduate-level program aimed at commercializing medical school research. This initiative leverages his teaching and research interests that blend strategy, finance, and entrepreneurship in technology environments. Other recent projects include a study of the venture funding environment in Oregon; an examination of how firms achieve the right balance of strategic flexibility in their planning systems; and a comprehensive look at the effectiveness of university commercialization of technology efforts. Prior to joining UP, Down was founding Director of the Austin Entrepreneurship Program at Oregon State University. His PhD is in Strategic Management from the University of Washington. He also has an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Past management roles include stints at Westinghouse Electric Company, Precision Castparts Corporation, and early stage companies.