TCU Neeley faculty Rodney D’Souza and Michael Sherrod are among the 400 most influential leaders in greater Fort Worth. D’Souza is the managing director for the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Davis Family Entrepreneur in Residence; and Sherrod is the William M. Dickey Entrepreneur in Residence and an instructor.
May 25, 2023
By Tiara Ellis Richard
Fort Worth Inc. recently named two TCU Neeley faculty among “The 400: Fort Worth’s Most Influential People.” Rodney D’Souza, managing director for the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Davis Family Entrepreneur in Residence; and Michael Sherrod, William M. Dickey Entrepreneur in Residence and instructor, are being recognized in the list of the 400 most influential leaders in greater Fort Worth.
The 400 list is published annually by Fort Worth Inc. and compiles outstanding individuals for their significant influence in their own industry, philanthropy, government and public policy, economic development, professional services, education, civic affairs, arts, religion, non-profits, sports and media. D’Souza and Sherrod were recognized in the education section and their leadership with the TCU Neeley Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a hub for creating connections and programs for students and community partners.
The institute hosts multiple programs focused on educating students, connecting corporate partners and inspiring innovative thinking. For example, the Horned Frog Investment Network provides high-quality deal flow and investment opportunities, and training for students and accredited investors. The Entrepreneurial Intern Scholars Program places vetted students in high-impact roles at early-stage growth companies throughout North Texas.
“It’s always an honor to be named among such an esteemed list of leaders and influencers in your community,” D’Souza said. “Both Michael and I recognize the value of empowering students to find innovative solutions to challenges they see in the world and connecting our students to faculty, corporate partners and investors who are ready to run with them.”
The Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation regularly ranks high among peer institutions, and is currently No. 25 for the Best Entrepreneurship Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2022), No. 26 for the Best MBA Program in the World for Entrepreneurship (Poets&Quants, 2023) and No. 3 for Entrepreneurship Competitions with the TCU Values & Ventures® Competition (Times of Entrepreneurship, 2021).
Additional TCU leaders named in the 400 list include Chancellor Victor Boschini, President Daniel Pullin and School of Medicine Dean Stuart Flynn. TCU Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati and Head Football Coach Sonny Dykes were recognized in the sports category.
The summer 2023 edition of Fort Worth Inc. published this week with TCU Head Football Coach Sonny Dykes on the cover. Dykes received special recognition as the 2023 Person of the Year.
To view the full 400 list and read the articles recognizing the honorees, view the digital publication of Fort Worth Inc. here.
