Samantha Kahoe

Samantha Dewalt is a prominent figure in the field of education and industry engagement, currently serving as the Senior Director of Industry Engagement at Lehigh University, a position she has held since January 2015. In this role, she has been instrumental in establishing strategic partnerships that enhance educational opportunities and foster innovation across various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and technology.12

Educational Background

Dr. Dewalt holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University, where her dissertation focused on authenticity and women in technology leadership. She also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Oklahoma.25

Professional Experience

Before her tenure at Lehigh University, Dewalt worked at the University of Oklahoma as the Associate Director of IT Corporate Engagement, where she developed models for corporate partnerships. Her earlier career includes roles as Vice President of Marketing at Cole Technology Group and Partner at Hal Smith Marketing Group, providing her with extensive experience in both academia and industry.124

Current Roles

In addition to her role as Senior Director, Dr. Dewalt is the Managing Director of Lehigh@NasdaqCenter, a partnership between Lehigh University and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. This initiative aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with skills necessary for future careers.34 She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Lehigh University and is involved with initiatives that support women in technology through student-led organizations.12

Impact and Philosophy

Dr. Dewalt is recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to education as a transformative force. She emphasizes the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset to address challenges and create valuable solutions in today's dynamic work environment.34 Her work has garnered attention in notable publications such as Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, highlighting her thought leadership in entrepreneurship and innovation.25