Dirk Brown, faculty director

Dirk Brown is the faculty director of the University of South Carolina's McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise. Dr. Brown is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of developing, marketing and licensing disruptive, proprietary technologies. He has written more than 30 technical papers and journal articles, holds more than 25 patents and is an active member in a number of professional societies.

Brown holds an MBA from San Jose State, a Ph.D. (Materials Science) and M.Eng. (Applied Physics) from Cornell University and a B.Sc. (Engineering) in applied physics/electrical engineering from Queen's University in Canada.

To contact Dirk Brown, please call 803-777-1717 or email dirk@sc.edu. 

Kristina Hooks, director, partnerships and events

Kristina Hooks brings a broad range of experience from the business, government and nonprofit sectors, including work in higher education, auditing and retail. She holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina, an MPA from the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston, a B.S. (Business Administration) from the College of Charleston, and a B.A. (Corporate Communication) from the College of Charleston.

To contact Kristina Hooks, please call 803-777-1717 or email khooks@email.sc.edu.

Katherine Swartz Hilton, director, strategic initiatives

Katherine Swartz Hilton oversees strategic initiatives for the University of South Carolina McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise. Ms. Swartz Hilton's expertise is organizational growth strategies, with a career spanning 20 years in academic and nonprofit executive positions.

She holds an M.A. in Organizational Change and Leadership from Columbia College, a B.A. in Communications from the University of South Carolina and a number of professional certificates and credentials. She has been recognized regionally in business and professional publications. She is an active volunteer and philanthropist.

To contact Katherine Swartz Hilton, please call 803-777-1717 or email kmswartz@mailbox.sc.edu. 

Breanna Spaulding, community manager

Bre serves as community manager to the McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise and joins our team with a robust background in project management. Her role connectes students to opportunities with startups in the community. She holds an M.S. from Southern New Hampshire University in Healthcare Administration, and a B.A. from Columbia Colllege in Public Health. Community involvement is important to Bre and she enjoys most of her free time exploring and experiencing Columbia and all it has to offer.

To contact Bre Spaulding, please call 803-576-7716 or email brespaulding@sc.edu.