Meet Daniel J. Duncan, executive director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus Development Corporation.
Tell us a little about your business. – Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC, www.innovate.unl.edu) is designed to facilitate new and in-depth partnerships between the University of Nebraska and private sector businesses. We connect the talents of experts, companies, and the university through space, place, programs, and events to create a unique culture of innovation. NIC is home to and welcomes companies of all sizes. Called NIC Partners, organizations leasing space at NIC are a mix of startups, medium-sized companies, and larger companies.
How did you get started in the business? – I begin my tenure with UNL in 1987 when I accepted the position of operations manager at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, NE. In 1991, I was named the director of the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center (now the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center) near Mead, NE. In the early 2000s, I served as the assistant director of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station on a part-time basis, and in February 2008, I accepted the position of assistant dean and director of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Agricultural Research Division. I accepted my current role in October 2011 and have enjoyed playing a key role in the development of Nebraska Innovation Campus.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Effectively communicating a vision and why I believe in the vision—a challenge many are faced with. A strong vision creates buy-in from stakeholders and drives momentum.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Developing Nebraska Innovation Campus into what it is today, and what it will continue to grow into, is certainly a highlight. Nebraska Innovation Campus started as an idea and today it is 550,000 square feet of constructed space that houses companies and programs that are critical economic drivers for NIC, the University, the Lincoln community, and the state of Nebraska.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to Dr. Paula Harre for 21 years. We enjoy traveling and Husker sporting events.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The first was the cattle market crash of 1985. My family quit farming and ranching as a result of the market crash, and I began working for UNL. The second was marrying Paula.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golf and spending time with friends and family.
Who inspires you? – People who do what they think is right and do not just follow the crowd.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Life’s Been Good” by Joe Walsh.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Food Bank of Lincoln. No one should go hungry in this country.
What is your favorite movie? – McLintock starring John Wayne.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Las Margaritas.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 472-5535; dduncan1@unl.edu; www.innovate.unl.edu. To take a virtual tour of NIC, please visit nebraskainnovationcampus.com.