Heidi L. Dent

Biography

Heidi Dent is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Western Carolina University. Prior to transitioning to academia, Heidi’s professional background has focused on marketing, entrepreneurship, digital marketing technology, and strategy for over 25 years. She has worked with a variety of industries from the Fortune 50 to small business start-ups. A serial entrepreneur, she has been involved in start-ups, acquisitions, and successful exits, landed on the INC5000 list 5 years in a row, and was awarded the “Best Places To Work in NC.” Heidi was involved in several successful acquisitions that were integrated into her company’s product portfolio. She led the design and UX for her companies and clients including a proprietary internal operations application, multiple mobile applications, a multi-application web platform, eCommerce, communication, ATS, and project management applications. Previously, Heidi was an Adjunct Professor for Christian Brothers University teaching Marketing and Entrepreneurship and South Georgia State College teaching Business Communication. Heidi holds a BA in English from Mercer University, an MBA from UNC Pembroke, an MS in Digital Marketing at Florida International University and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. Her research interests include marketing technology, entrepreneurial mindset, artificial intelligence and marketing, and human/computer interaction influence on digital behavior.

Education

• MS, Florida International University
• DBA, Jacksonville University
• MBA, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Teaching Interests

Digital Marketing, Digital Marketing Technology, Entrepreneurial Marketing, UX, AI and Marketing

Research Interests

Marketing Technology, Entrepreneurial Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Small Business Marketing Strategy

Curriculum Vitae