Len Jessup — CEO
I’ve spent my career at the intersection of higher education, business, innovation, and entrepreneurship — serving as a two-time university president, business school dean, professor, and venture investor. That journey has taught me a powerful truth: the most effective leaders don’t just manage — they think and act like founders. Acting like a founder equips leaders to navigate uncertainty with creativity, build trust through persuasion, and spot opportunities others don’t yet see. These skills drive innovation and create lasting impact. Whether guiding universities through transformation, investing in early-stage startups, or advising executives in established companies, I’ve seen how founder-style leadership — grounded in creativity, vision, persuasion, drive, and resilience — can spark innovation and create lasting change. It’s the same entrepreneurial mindset that helped me to launch thriving ventures and reimagine institutions, including during my time at the University of Arizona, Washington State University, UNLV, and Claremont Graduate University. Today, as Managing Partner of Desert Forge Ventures and author of “Self Less” and “Create More,” I’m focused on helping leaders, entrepreneurs, "intrapreneurs," and communities “create more” by aligning bold ideas, talented people, and capital… the essential ingredients for meaningful change. If you’re a founder, executive, or higher-ed leader looking to unlock entrepreneurial thinking in your organization or community, let’s connect. 👉
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in higher education and venture investment, driving innovation and strategic growth.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Experience: 35 yrs 1 mo
Skills
- Board Governance
Career Highlights
- Two-time university president with extensive leadership experience.
- Expert in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Author focused on empowering leaders and communities.
Work Experience
NordicDx as
Board Member (3 mos)
Evalyn Healthcare Solutions Pvt Ltd
Board Member (7 mos)
Desert Forge Ventures
Managing Partner (1 yr 2 mos)
The Lincy Institute
Fellow (1 yr 8 mos)
Murphy Electric Inc and NextGen Protection
Board Member (1 yr 8 mos)
Sletten Construction Company
Board Member (1 yr 9 mos)
M2 Squared Academy, Inc.
Board Member (1 yr 9 mos)
assaya
Board Member (4 yrs 4 mos)
Marts & Lundy, Inc.
Of Counsel (6 yrs 2 mos)
Claremont Graduate University
President (5 yrs 11 mos)
Cristo Rey St. Viator
Founding and Now Emeritus Board Member (6 yrs 3 mos)
University of Nevada Las Vegas
President (3 yrs 5 mos)
The University of Arizona Health Network
Board Member (2 yrs 9 mos)
The University of Arizona
Dean and Halle Chair in Leadership (3 yrs 8 mos)
Washington State University
Chair, Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Systems (1 yr 10 mos)
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (4 yrs)
Markin Endowed Chair in Business Leadership (2 yrs 2 mos)
Vice President of University Development and President of the WSU Foundation (2 yrs)
Dean, Carson College of Business (2 yrs 11 mos)
Director of the Information Systems Program and Philip L. Kays Distinguished Professor in IS (2 yrs)
Xecutive Advisory Partners
Co-Founder and Board Member (16 yrs 7 mos)
Indiana University - Kelley School of Business
Associate Professor (5 yrs)
California State University San Marcos
Associate Professor (4 yrs)
California State University, Long Beach
Assistant Professor (1 yr)
Education
Ph.D. at University of Arizona
M.B.A. at California State University, Chico
B.A. at California State University, Chico
Associate's degree at College of the Siskiyous
