Kara Barber named assistant director of Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The University of North Florida has named Kara Barber as assistant director of UNF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). She will be responsible for working with the Center’s cohorts of entrepreneurs and further developing the Center’s processes, marketing and operational oversight.
UNF’s CEI facilitates the development of early-stage companies by offering a variety of programs to support and nurture selected startup businesses. CEI services include business plan development, co-working space, help from student interns, professional support and networking opportunities.
Barber has more than a decade of higher education and nonprofit experience. Prior to joining UNF, she served in the development office for the North Florida American Diabetes Association where she worked with local Jacksonville business leaders to raise nearly a half a million dollars for research, education and programs. She previously worked at the Florida State Golf Association where she grew membership by recruiting more than 500 new golfers.
Barber also managed the Orientation and Student Solutions Center at Jacksonville University, where she increased student success and the rate towards graduation, specifically with second-year students.
Barber is a graduate of UNF’s educational leadership master’s program and received her bachelor’s in communication from Florida State University.