Ben Dyer, UT Entrepreneur in Residence, photo courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin.
But during the last year, Dyer took on an even bigger role in assisting Bob Metcalfe, professor of innovation and Joshua Baer, specialist of computer science, in running the class.
Now Dyer, an Atlanta native, has officially been named a new Entrepreneur-in-Residence at The University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering.
And tonight, the latest crop of student-run startups will gather at the first class of the Longhorn Startup Program, previously known as One Semester Startup. Dyer will be there to mentor them.
Dyer founded Peachtree Software and he also writes a popular entrepreneur blog called TechDrawl, which promotes technology startups and innovation in the South.
In his role Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dyer will serve as a mentor and resource for students and faculty members who are exploring and creating early-stage technology ventures throughout UT Austin.
“The Cockrell School is proud to have Ben as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence,” Gregory L. Fenves, dean of the Cockrell School, said in a blog post on the UT School of Engineering’s website. “Ben brings a strong background in technology entrepreneurship and expertise in starting companies around breakthrough technology solutions. His experience and business acumen have been invaluable in the advice and assistance he’s provided to UT students in the Longhorn Startup Lab.”
Dyer, a graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a member of its hall of fame, has focused on education throughout his career. He continues to be involved in both the Atlanta and Austin technology communities. Both of his children graduated from UT and he moved here in 2011.