Faculty and Staff
Dean of the College
A HERS Alum and American Council on Education Leadership Fellow, Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty is a distinguished social work and youth development scholar with over 20 years of experience in higher education. She has held significant roles at Indiana University, including leading the Bachelor of Social Work program, developing online education programs, and overseeing system-wide academic policies as Assistant Vice President for Academic Policy. In 2024, she became the inaugural dean of Founder’s College at Butler University, a new two-year interdisciplinary college program aimed at providing affordable education and pathways to a four-year degree for low-wealth students. Dr. Gentle-Genitty is recognized nationally for her expertise in transfer and credit processes and policies and as an international expert in school bonding, attendance, and absenteeism.
Dr. Gentle-Genitty’s own educational journey was marked by perseverance and financial challenges. She paid for her associate degree through work-study, earned a full scholarship for her bachelor’s degree, and covered her master’s degree costs with a promissory loan. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into the barriers many students face in accessing higher education.
After earning her degrees in Social Work and leading the YMCA of Belize for nearly five years, she moved to Indianapolis in 2004 to pursue her Ph.D. at Indiana University. This transition into academia, combined with her background in social work and youth development, solidified her commitment to improving access and support for students in higher education.
Her progression from faculty roles to system-wide leadership positions at Indiana University, where she focused on developing online programs, overseeing academic policies, and improving transfer processes, demonstrates a growing passion for addressing systemic issues in higher education. She currently sits on the LEARN COMMISSION responding to the national credit evaluation and recognition in hopes to offer recommendations.
Fun Facts: She was a radio talk show host, was a CARICOM Consultant, consulted with UNICEF and OAS, holds an Honorary Chief of Police Distinction and got the Keys to the City of Louisville, KY for distinguished service.
Faculty
Dr. Stephanie Fernhaber teaches a variety of courses within the Entrepreneurship & Innovation program at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Impact Practicum, First-Year Business Experience, and Social Entrepreneurship.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Fernhaber conducts research in the areas of international entrepreneurship, grassroots innovation, and societal grand challenges. Her research has been published in various academic journals including the Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Business Venturing, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, and Entrepreneurship, Theory & Practice. Dr. Fernhaber has also co-created four books. She is the Field Editor for International Entrepreneurship at the Journal of Business Venturing.
At the community level, Dr. Fernhaber has a passion for spurring innovation with an emphasis on social entrepreneurship.
Staff
Serves all Founder’s College students