University President Earns Distinguished Award

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University names University President Stacy Volnick, Ph.D., distinguished leader at upcoming annual Awards and Celebration of Entrepreneurship event on Sept. 12.

Each year, the Research Park hosts a night of celebration to recognize three remarkable people and one exceptional organization who have significantly propelled innovation, research and entrepreneurship in the South Florida community and beyond. The dynamic and diverse economy of the region is driven by the dedicated efforts of these distinguished honorees and partner organizations.

"As the region experiences continued population and business expansion at a rapid rate, the demand for sophisticated scientific and business innovation grows," said Andrew Duffell, president & CEO of the Research Park.

This year’s honorees include:

Distinguished Leader:
Stacy Volnick, Ph.D. Volnick is no stranger to leadership. Appointed to the Research Park’s governing body in October 2022, she immediately made a positive impact, focusing on aligning the park’s initiatives with those of the university. Her leadership was further recognized in 2024 when she was unanimously elected to lead the organization as its chair, marking the first time the Florida Atlantic University president held this position since the park’s inception in 1985.

Volnick said she understands the critical role of a thriving Research Park in bolstering the university’s research capabilities and enhancing student experiences. University research parks require the leadership of the aligned university to be successful, and the Research Park at Florida Atlantic is privileged to have earned President Volnick’s support and understanding of its purpose and mission, Duffell said.

A first-generation student and a three-time Owl, Volnick advocates for student internships within the Research Park, seeing them as essential for fostering successful career development. Her vision for the park includes expanding collaborative opportunities between the university and the park’s companies to drive innovation and economic growth in the region. With her leadership, the Research Park has been able to reach new heights in its mission to foster research and entrepreneurship.

Distinguished Entrepreneur:
Daniel A. Betts, Ph.D. Daniel Betts is the CEO and founder of Blue Frontier, Inc, a company in the air conditioning industry. With successful ventures part of his track-record, Betts created Blue Frontier’s predecessor while part of the Research Park’s incubator, graduating in 2015. Under Betts’ leadership, the company and its technology evolved and grew into what is now Blue Frontier. The venture is spearheading how the world approaches air conditioning by putting a significant dent in building greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions without harming the planet, Duffell said.

With a recent $16.9 million injection of capital, invested by Bill Gates-founded Energy Ventures, the company is on track to transform the air conditioning industry through innovative, eco-friendly solutions that impact the South Florida community and beyond.

Before founding Blue Frontier, Betts received his doctorate degree in mechanical engineering, MBA and master’s degree from the University of Florida, as well as a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from George Washington University. He has been in strategic management roles since 2005, primarily with high-tech companies in the energy and digital transformation sectors. An engineer at heart, Betts’ career began in 1996, focusing on advanced technology. His diverse experience includes industrial product development, industrial research and development, academic research and utility sector projects.

Distinguished Researcher:
Kevin Cox, Ph.D. Kevin Cox is the senior instructor and director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at Florida Atlantic and has made significant contributions to the field of entrepreneurship research, supporting and mentoring growing companies and entrepreneurs while adding immense value to Global Ventures.

Cox received his doctorate degree in business administration from Florida Atlantic in 2016 and has been a key driving force in building knowledge in entrepreneurship through his teaching at Florida Atlantic, including the Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Veterans Bootcamp. His efforts, including mentoring FAU TechRunway companies, have helped companies secure millions of dollars in funding from business plan competitions, demonstrating his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success and innovation. Cox inspires countless entrepreneurs through his leadership of the National Science Foundation I-CORPS program of customer discovery, coaching entrepreneurs to pitch investors and is always available for questions and advice. Dr. Cox’s influence and guidance have been pivotal in shaping the next generation of successful entrepreneurs, Duffell said.

Distinguished Organization: Brazilian Business Group The Brazilian Business Group (BBG) has significantly impacted not only the Global Ventures community but also the wider South Florida community by fostering business relationships and promoting professional development. BBG was one of the first partners of Global Ventures, advising the Research Park team during its development phase. It assisted with outreach within the Brazilian community in South Florida and Brazil and helped build relationships with the Brazilian Consulate General in Miami.

As a nonprofit organization, BBG unites non-Brazilian and Brazilian professionals and entrepreneurs, developing their skills and generating positive business outcomes. Its dedication to strategic connections and social responsibility has made BBG a cornerstone for business growth. Through networking opportunities, workshops and events, BBG created a community where collaboration thrives and efforts strengthened the overall business landscape, contributing to making South Florida a dynamic hub for international entrepreneurship.

"The honorees recognized this year exemplify excellence and innovation, shaping a thriving ecosystem of research and entrepreneurship," Duffell said.