Dean Shepherd serves as the Ray and Milann Siegfried Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, where he has established himself as a preeminent scholar in the field of entrepreneurship. He received his doctoral and MBA degrees from Bond University in Australia, laying the foundation for his distinguished academic career focused on the psychological and behavioral aspects of entrepreneurial activity. Prior to his appointment at Notre Dame, Professor Shepherd developed his unique interdisciplinary approach bridging cognitive science, psychology, and business management across multiple academic appointments. His leadership in the field is reflected in his service as past editor-in-chief of the prestigious Journal Business Venturing, one of the premier publications in entrepreneurship research. Throughout his career, he has maintained a steadfast commitment to advancing our understanding of the complex decision-making processes that drive entrepreneurial success.
Professor Shepherd's groundbreaking research has fundamentally reshaped how scholars understand entrepreneurial cognition, opportunity recognition, and responses to adversity in new venture creation. His work on the cognitive-emotional mechanisms underlying opportunity identification, evaluation, and construction has provided novel theoretical frameworks that explain why some individuals recognize opportunities while others do not. With over 180 publications in top management and entrepreneurship journals and more than 85,000 Google Scholar citations, his scholarly impact is extraordinary, with a recent study identifying him as the number one contributing author of entrepreneurship research worldwide. His investigations into entrepreneurial responses to adversity, including reactions to failure and chronic challenges, have established the theoretical foundation for understanding resilience in entrepreneurial contexts. These contributions have not only advanced academic knowledge but have also influenced practical approaches to entrepreneurship education and startup development worldwide.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Shepherd has significantly shaped the entrepreneurship field through his mentorship, leadership, and recognition by his peers, including being named a Fellow of the Academy of Management. He has received three honorary doctorates from prestigious European institutions, recognizing the global impact of his work across international academic boundaries. His numerous accolades include the 'Dedication to Entrepreneurship Award,' the 'Mentor Award,' and the 'Foundational Paper Award' (awarded twice) from the Entrepreneurs Division of the Academy of Management. Professor Shepherd continues to expand the frontiers of entrepreneurship research through his work on entrepreneurial creation and destruction across personal, social, and ecological dimensions, ensuring his influence will continue to shape the field for future generations of scholars and practitioners.
