Series Overview
The College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean's speaker series serves as a valuable platform to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide insights into cutting-edge research and developments. The series is funded through the Wright State Foundation and has the objectives of facilitating collaboration, inspiring students, showcasing research, promoting interdisciplinary research, addressing current challenges, encouraging innovation, engaging the community, supporting professional development, and enhancing the reputation of the college.
Upcoming Speakers
"Don't Stop Believing"
Vercie Lark
Thursday, November 13, 2025
3–4 p.m.
156 Student Union (Endeavour Room)
Presentation Abstract
Vercie shares important strategies he learned on his career journey from Wright State University to the Board Room and beyond.
- Cultivating a belief in yourself to say yes when opportunity knocks.
- Collaborating with friends and foes broadens everyone’s future success.
- Connecting academic, work, and life’s experiences to change the world.
- Competing fairly and winning as a team is more fun than winning alone.
- Compassionately enhancing the lives and livelihood of others along the way.
Vercie’s goal is to host an interactive discussion, leaving students, faculty and staff feeling optimistic about their future and more equipped to forge a meaningful life in an increasingly complex and divided world.
Bio and Career Summary
Vercie was Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio where he graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1980, attended Central State University and later transferring to Wright State University to obtain a BS degree in Electrical Engineering.
Vercie's professional career began as a laborer for Monsanto Research while attending Wright State University (WSU) until graduating in 1986. Vercie is positive his education from WSU laid the early foundation for his future success as an engineer, an information technology leader, a global business executive, small business owner, and now as venture capital investor.
In 1989 Vercie moved to Houston, TX after joining Compaq Computer Corporation as a systems engineer paving the way to new opportunities initially as an IT professional and later as global business executive for notable firms such as Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Sprint/Nextel, Embarq Communications and DST Systems where he led a 1-billion-dollar business before retiring in May of 2018.
Vercie became a Presidential Appointee serving in the Biden/Harris Administration in 2022 as the SBA Administrator for the Great Plains Region. In this role, Vercie supported business owners across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas with the goal of expanding access to capital, advocating for pro-business growth policies ensuring the full range of SBA services reached previously untapped communities.
Vercie currently serves as a Senior Advisor/Partner for Naples Technology Ventures Prosperity Fund, a $20M venture capital fund, focused on investing in early-stage, women- and minority-owned technology firms. Lark also serves on boards of Sensor ETA, Boulo Solutions, Kansas City Junior Achievement Foundation, Wright State University (WSU) Foundation, and serves as an advisor to WSU CEG department.
Vercie is also the author of Make It Rain, a personal finance book, aimed at helping individuals build wealth and financial security. Through his "Show Me the Money" workshops, he continues to empower Americans from all levels of society to take control of their financial futures. His commitment to education and economic empowerment reflects dedication to helping others achieve their potential.
Accessibility
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, send an emal to cecs-dean@wright.edu or call 937-775-5001. All requests must be made at least three business days prior to the event. We will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.