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 over 30 technical papers and journal articles, holds over 25 patents, and is an active member in a number of professional societies.

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

To contact Katherine Swartz Hilton, please call 803-576-8358 or email kmswartz@mailbox.sc.edu.

Coy Gibson, business manager, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Living and Learning Community

Coy Gibson is from Camden, South Carolina and currently serves as business manager for the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Learning Community. He manages financial accounts, vendor relationships, office spaces and supports student-led programs at E&I. He attained dual master’s degrees in international business and management from the Darla Moore School of Business and ESCP Europe Business School in Paris, France. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Carolina Honors College.

To contact Coy Gibson, please call 803-576-7311 or gibsonrc@email.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 connects students to opportunities with startups in the community. She holds a M.S. from Southern New Hampshire University in Healthcare Administration, and a B.A. from Columbia College 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 brespaulding@sc.edu