for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
at Davidson College

Our Story

Our Story

The Hurt Hub@Davidson

The Hurt Hub@Davidson

The Social Commons at the Hurt Hub
The Hurt Hub@Davidson
In 2014, Davidson College purchased industrial space in downtown Davidson, originally built as part of the Davidson Cotton Mill in 1920. Today, it is a beautiful 23,000 square foot, cutting-edge, LEED Gold-certified facility where campus and community collide to spark vibrant technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Lake Norman area.
An empty lounge at the Hurt Hub
Unlimited potential
Business leader and venture philanthropist Jay Hurt ’88 committed $5 million to support these innovation and entrepreneurship efforts. “At first blush, this project didn’t seem like Davidson at all,” said Hurt. “But I quickly realized there is a need for students to have this opportunity, and companies can benefit from the engagement of talented students in their work. There is unlimited potential when this is done well.”
People working in the the Van Deman Innovation Lab at the Hurt Hub
Van Deman Innovation Lab
The Van Deman Innovation Lab serves as the home for Davidson College’s innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technology programs. Made possible with a $1 million gift from Ed Van Deman ’69, CEO of Financial Navigator, Inc., and his wife Dr. Nancie Fimbel, the Lab includes open collaboration space, student project rooms, and our Data CATS Lab.
Adults working and conversing in the Hurt Hub Social Commons
Social Commons
Innovation thrives when serendipitous interactions are possible. Located just inside the main entrance, the Social Commons offers students, faculty, coworkers and technology entrepreneurs a place to come together, hang out, and collaborate. With plenty of comfortable seating, good music, and delicious beverages, the Social Commons is a relaxed and inviting place for community to gather and conversations to spark. The space is also equipped with an integrated sound system and large-format mobile LED display which make it easily transformable for networking receptions, seated dinners, and speaker events.
Coworking desks at The Hurt Hub
Coworking Community
We offer 16 private office suites, 36 open desks and 6 private phone rooms for local entrepreneurs and working professionals. Our space has capacity for more than 200 members. Amenities include high-speed wireless internet, meeting rooms equipped with ideation and display technologies, a print-copy workroom, and free coffee and beverages.
The Social Commons at the Hurt Hub
The Hurt Hub@Davidson
In 2014, Davidson College purchased industrial space in downtown Davidson, originally built as part of the Davidson Cotton Mill in 1920. Today, it is a beautiful 23,000 square foot, cutting-edge, LEED Gold-certified facility where campus and community collide to spark vibrant technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Lake Norman area.
An empty lounge at the Hurt Hub
Unlimited potential
Business leader and venture philanthropist Jay Hurt ’88 committed $5 million to support these innovation and entrepreneurship efforts. “At first blush, this project didn’t seem like Davidson at all,” said Hurt. “But I quickly realized there is a need for students to have this opportunity, and companies can benefit from the engagement of talented students in their work. There is unlimited potential when this is done well.”
People working in the the Van Deman Innovation Lab at the Hurt Hub
Van Deman Innovation Lab
The Van Deman Innovation Lab serves as the home for Davidson College’s innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technology programs. Made possible with a $1 million gift from Ed Van Deman ’69, CEO of Financial Navigator, Inc., and his wife Dr. Nancie Fimbel, the Lab includes open collaboration space, student project rooms, and our Data CATS Lab.

Our vision

We facilitate access and exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship for all Davidson students, alumni, faculty, staff, Hurt Hub co-workers, and community members.

Our mission

The Hurt Hub@Davidson convenes innovators and entrepreneurs in the Davidson College community and the Greater Charlotte region to catalyze innovative solutions to critical problems through educational programming, experiential learning in a safe environment, an inclusive co-working space, uncompromising ethics, a robust mentor network, access to startup capital, and innovation consulting.

Our Values

We believe innovation is born out of Freedom, Integrity, and Inclusion.

  • Freedom to take risks. Freedom to fail and to succeed.
  • Integrity is our expectation.
  • Inclusion is the foundation of everything we do.
11 Members of the Ice House Cohort stand and pose for a group photo

Our Team

Woman's headshot

Liz (Roberts) Ahwal

Marketing Manager
Liz Brigham standing for a headshot.

Liz Brigham

W. Spencer Mitchem Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Meg Blanchard

Meg Blanchard

Operations Specialist
Amy Gascon headshot

Amy Gascon

Assistant Director, Educational Programming
Wendy Johnson headshot

Wendy Johnson

Facilities Custodian
Chris Marsicano

Chris Marsicano

Cornelson Faculty Innovator in Residence, Asst. Professor, Educational Studies
Erin Moreau headshot

Erin Moreau

Associate Director, Operations
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Madeleine Page

Innovation Instructional Designer
Donna Peters

Donna Peters '89

Alumni Innovator in Residence
Evan Rozantes headshot

Evan Rozantes

Associate Director, Innovation Portfolio
Man smiling

Dwayne Sutton

Entrepreneur in Residence
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Amy Tirpak

Consulting Operations Manager
Keith Varriale_1 (002)

Keith Varriale

Sales & Sponsorship Manager
Kelly Weaver headshot

Kelly Weaver

Community Experience Manager

Hello!

Are you a Prospective Davidson College student or Prospective coworking member?

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Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College