Serendipity by Design

By Jeff Dunn, Director of Educational Technology R&D for DeVry

I lead efforts to make sure that all DeVry institutions are on the cutting edge in using technology to deliver a world-class learning experience for every one of our students. And in Chicago, the cutting edge starts at 1871.

DeVry proudly sponsors a conference room where many of you brainstorm, refine, and transform ideas into marketable solutions. It’s one of many rooms, big and small, that make up Chicago’s new epicenter for digital startups, a place where each day brings new encounters with potential partners and game-changing ideas, where every day each of us emit and absorb entrepreneurial energy that permeates every nook and cranny of this vibrant community of startups, investors, and thought leaders. This cross-pollination spills into the hallways and lobbies of one of the world’s largest buildings, within one of the world’s largest cities, the city that works. I can’t think of a more fitting place than Chicago to catalyze world-changing ideas into action. (I just set a personal record for using “world” in a single article. I blame/credit all of you worldly thinkers at 1871.)

I work from a desk in plain sight and earshot of countless people in constant motion. The ambient cacophony inevitablly distills into discussions about target markets and value proposition. An innovation vortex draws me into conversations that an office or cube doesn’t allow. It leads me down hidden paths to new ideas and smart people. Over the past few months, I’ve met entrepreneurs of all types: freshly minted MBAs just starting out, career changers finally taking the plunge, proven entrepreneurs looking to find their next success, young and less young, some with kids, all with dreams. Who will I meet today? I can’t wait to find out.

DeVry began in Chicago 80 years ago, but our partnerships with local startups are just beginning. We want to be your beta “partner of choice”, to learn about new approaches to serving students and meet creative thinkers who get us thinking differently about education. We’re happy you’re here, and thrilled to support your efforts at 1871, and beyond.

Jeff Dunn is the Director of Educational Technology R&D for DeVry, a global provider of educational services and parent organization of Advanced Academics, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Becker Professional Education, Carrington College, Carrington College California, Chamberlain College of Nursing, DeVry Brasil, DeVry University, and Ross University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.