Stacy Strauss, M.A., Education

Stacy Strauss joined the Innovation Center as the Associate Director in August 2014 and was promoted to Director in October 2016. Strauss manages the staff, makes connections for clients, oversees facility management, fundraising efforts, budget analysis, grant writing, and other Innovation Center operations. During her tenure, the Innovation Center has been named the Incubator of the Year (2019) by the leading international professional association; the Rural Incubator of the Year three times (2016, 2019, and 2022); and was ranked by a global benchmarking institute as the 3rd best university incubator in North America (2016). She has secured over $5 million in grants to support the work of the Innovation Center.

Strauss joined the Innovation Center from Hocking College, where she served in a dual role as a Student Affairs Coordinator and Career Services Director from April 2013 through August 2014. Prior to that position, she was Ohio University’s Head Soccer Coach for 13 years. Under her leadership, the Bobcats won two Mid-American Championships, maintained a 3.4 cumulative GPA, and boasted a 97 percent graduation rate. In addition, Strauss was the founder and director of a small business - the Bobcat Soccer Club - from 2010 to 2013. Before her coaching years at Ohio University, she worked as an assistant soccer coach at Dartmouth College and at the University of Rhode Island.

Strauss holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Kenyon College and a master’s degree in education from Ohio State University. She also holds a Business Incubator Management certificate from the International Business Innovation Association.