By Kimmy Nevas

At the end of last semester, Paul Zavracky was hired as dean of the School of Technological Entrepreneurship, a program that is not yet operational. A Northeastern alumnus, Zavracky holds 51 U.S. patents, and has authored and co-authored 80 publications.

Zavracky said his career has prepared him for his latest undertaking.

“I’ve been at Northeastern four times,” he said. “I was an undergrad here. I graduated with a degree in physics in ’71. I got my master’s in physics in ’75. I went to Tufts for my Ph.D. I came back here and taught electrical engineering. While I wasn’t here I started two companies.”

Zavracky said his goal as dean is for Northeastern to be recognized as “the” entrepreneurial campus in the country.

“We’re recognized as a very entrepreneurial place to be,” he said. “The goal of the school is to introduce science and engineers and business majors to what it takes to start a high-growth, high-tech, small business.”

Zavracky’s most recent return to Northeastern follows a seven-year stint at the MicroOptical Corporation, a company he founded, where he served as president and chief operating officer. He said this experience will help him as he works to establish the new school.

“I started two companies. I have first-hand experience in entrepreneurial activities. I understand the academic side and workings of faculty and what it’s like to interface with students,” he said.

Zavracky credits Northeastern for his professional success.

“I love Northeastern. I think it’s a great place. My first time that I came back to teach, my previous company was very successful. I thought I could give something back by coming here to teach,” he said. “The school was instrumental in the development of my career.”

Assistant Director of Communications Laura Shea said Zavracky’s experience made him an attractive choice for the position.

“His background is a blend of academics and real-life experience in starting up two of his own businesses,” Shea said.

Zavracky was chosen by a search committee put together by members of the university, she said.

Zavracky said, for now, he needs to focus on hiring a staff and molding a curriculum to meet students’ needs. His target is to begin classes and develop a master’s program by this fall.

Although he had a great experience at Northeastern, Zavracky said there are things he would like to offer students that were not available to him.

“What was missing for me was any type of formal exposure. I had to learn on the job. I want to break that barrier. I want NU students to see entrepreneurship as a career path,” he said.