Mercer University’s Stetson School of Business and Economics has named Atlanta Tech Village founder David Cummings as its entrepreneur-in-residence on the Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus in Atlanta.
 
An entrepreneur for more than 15 years, Cummings is CEO of Atlanta Ventures and launched Atlanta Tech Village, the largest technology entrepreneur center in the Southeast, in 2013.
 
“We are honored and excited to have David Cummings join our leadership team. The challenge of preparing millennials for entrepreneurial careers is top of mind for us, and I cannot think of  anyone better to advise us on how best to accomplish the task than David,” said Dr. Susan P. Gilbert, dean of the Stetson School of Business and Economics. “His expertise and experience at growing, coaching and supporting startups is unmatched in the Atlanta metro region. We, and our students, will benefit enormously from his wisdom.”
 
In early 2007, Cummings co-founded Pardot, which was recognized in 2012 by Inc. Magazine as the 172nd fastest growing company in the United States. Pardot was later acquired for $95 million by ExactTarget in one of the largest SaaS acquisitions ever of a bootstrapped company. Cummings was subsequently named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the deal category. In 2014, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named him one of the 100 most influential Atlantans.
 
Cummings is a member of the Southern Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Atlanta and the Atlanta Rotary Club. He serves on the board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Buckhead Coalition.
 
A native of Tallahassee, Florida, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Duke University, and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Mercer in 2015.
 
“I’m excited to work with Mercer students and help mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Cummings.
 
SSBE’s entrepreneur-in-residence is a one-year faculty appointment. Responsibilities include speaking to and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs from around the University, and helping to develop new learning experiences that prepare students for startups.