Dixie State University names Colby Jenkins as new director at Atwood Innovation Plaza

Charged with leading Dixie State University’s efforts to help the Southern Utah community innovate, create and launch their own ideas, Colby Jenkins has been selected as the new Zions Bank Business Resource Center director and entrepreneur in residence at Dixie State’s Atwood Innovation Plaza.  

“Colby brings a wealth of leadership experience, having worked where government and business intersect,” Dr. Kyle Wells, dean of Dixie State’s College of Business, said. “This knowledge and experience will be a great asset as we continue to provide business services supported by our various state and federal grants.”

A Utah native, Jenkins has commanded a Special Forces A-team in combat as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and has worked on Capitol Hill for the U.S. Senate and Pentagon, where he managed the congressional portfolio for the nation’s No. 2 military leader. Additionally, he has taught as an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management and worked at Google Headquarters as a program manager.  Most recently, Jenkins served as the director of operations for the Pentagon’s Silicon Valley Innovation Office, known as the Defense Innovation Unit.

“He has worked to build connections with Taliban forces in the Middle East and Colombian leaders in Central America; I think he will do well in the jungles of Dixie State University,” Wells said.

Located across from Dixie State’s Greater Zion Stadium in the former East Elementary building, Atwood Innovation Plaza houses entrepreneurship activity, including education and training, manufacturing, events and offices for startup companies.

“At Atwood Innovation Plaza, all will quickly find innovation teammates, mentors and resources to help their ideas, knowledge and skills develop,” Jenkins said. “Innovation Plaza is a hub of positive creative energy for all ages and fields, providing spark to ideas, conversations, teaching, classwork, research, networking and even start-up businesses incubating towards explosive growth.”

To learn more about the services and resources available at Dixie State University’s Atwood Innovation Plaza, visit innovation.utahtech.edu.