Jayson Margalus

Jay Margalus is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background in entrepreneurship, design, computer science, and education. He currently serves as the Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and the Director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship at Washington and Lee University.23

Professional Background

Margalus is known for his expertise in several areas:

Industrial and Product Design:: He has experience in developing industrial and product designs.1

Game Development:: Margalus has worked on analog and video game design projects.1

Maker and Design Community:: He has been involved in developing maker and design communities.1

Educational Program Creation:: Margalus has experience in creating educational programs and courses.1

Notable Projects

• The 1K Makerspace Project: This initiative explored distributed fabrication and was developed from his work at Illinois PPE.1
• Rewilding in Patagonia: A study abroad trip he conceived with a colleague in 2020.1
• Medical Device Development: He directed student industrial design work for oncologists at the University of Chicago.1

Entrepreneurial Experience

Margalus has a rich background in the startup world. He has founded nonprofit maker spaces and run a video game company. Additionally, he has experience working with mid-stage startups.5

Current Role

As the Director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship, Margalus leads the organization through extensive research and strategic planning.4 His appointment to this position was announced in March 2023.3

Jay Margalus describes himself as a "maker, designer, computer scientist, and outdoorsman"16, reflecting the diverse nature of his interests and expertise.