Bridgeport, Conn., January 5, 2022—University of Bridgeport (UB) today announced the appointment of Elena Cahill, J.D., to the new role of Vice President of Innovation, Strategy and Advancement. In addition to continuing to oversee UB’s Bauer Hall Innovation Center, Cahill will be responsible for development of the University’s strategic plan, as well as management of advancement operations, including fundraising to support program expansion, capital projects and other initiatives. She will also lead the University’s government and external affairs programs, serving as the contact for city, state and federal officials. Cahill will be a member of UB’s Senior Cabinet, reporting directly to President Danielle Wilken, Ed.D.
As an alumna and long-time faculty member, Elena is an outstanding addition to the senior leadership team and a wonderful representative of the talented leaders that UB produces,” said President Wilken. “Her love of UB and passion for teaching and entrepreneurship inspire our students through her work at the Bauer Hall Innovation Center, and I can’t wait to see how our relationships with alumni, donors, government officials and other organizations grow under her management.”
Cahill has served as director of UB’s Bauer Hall Innovation Center since its founding in 2018. The mission of the Innovation Center is to provide a collaborative environment and resources to foster innovation and assist in the creation and growth of businesses founded by students and others in the community. She has been instrumental in developing partnerships with industry leaders, workforce development, and community organizations, including the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the City of Bridgeport and CTNext. Under her leadership, the Innovation Center has helped hundreds of students build business plans that led to the founding of companies in industries including technology, retail, food and beverage, health services and travel.
Cahill earned her bachelor’s and law degrees from UB. In addition to her pivotal role in the opening of UB’s Bauer Hall Innovation Center, she served as director of the School of Business and launched UB’s Student Entrepreneur Center in 2014. Prior to joining the University as a member of the full-time faculty, she was an adjunct business professor and partner in a commercial law practice. A serial entrepreneur, Cahill has founded several companies in the energy sector and beyond.
This new role provides an opportunity for me to expand the way UB approaches partnerships with our alumni, businesses, government, the community and other organizations,” said Cahill. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to develop innovative programming and opportunities for our students while deepening the relationships between the University, business and community leaders and other key stakeholders.”
About University of Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse and supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. In May 2021, University of Bridgeport became an independent institution under the Goodwin University umbrella. The University is non-sectarian. www.bridgeport.edu