Houston, Texas – A Beacon of Entrepreneurship
Twenty-five years ago, a visionary named Bill Sherrill approached the University of Houston with a bold idea: to teach entrepreneurship. At the time, the concept of entrepreneurship as a teachable skill was still in its infancy. Fast forward to 2025, and the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship has been named the number one undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the country for the sixth consecutive year.
In an exclusive interview, Dave Cook, the current director of the Wolff Center, shared insights into the program’s success.
“Houston is a great city, an entrepreneurial city full of wildcatters and risk-takers,” Cook explained. “Our students are eager to work and filled with gratitude, creating a wonderful relationship with the city.”
The Wolff Center’s success is not just about accolades. Last year, 637 Houstonians volunteered their time to mentor students at the center. Cook emphasized that the program’s ranking is based on tangible achievements, such as the number of businesses started, funds raised, and mentors involved.
“We’ve started 2,000 businesses and raised a billion dollars over the last decade,” Cook proudly stated.
Beyond business, the Wolff Center focuses on shaping students’ lives, emphasizing integrity, character, and leadership. Cook highlighted the importance of human connection, a value that was evident when the center continued in-person classes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (protocol included).
Cook’s approach is holistic, aiming to instill core values in students, such as discipline and self-control, alongside professional skills.
“We want our students to be leaders, people of character who can inspire others,” he said.
The Wolff Center’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to start businesses and engage in real-life experiences, making their education practical and impactful.
For Dave Cook, leading the Wolff Center is more than a job; it’s a calling.
“When I found this program, I found the a meaning for my life,” he shared. “The ability to have families trust you with their children, in way it’s life changing, I’m proud to be associated with it.”
The Wolff Center continues to seek mentors to support its mission. For more information on how to get involved, click here.