If you’ve ever wanted to shake up the status quo, Eric Bacyinski is someone you’ll want in your corner. As the Adjunct Lecturer for ENTR 407 (EHour) and the Center for Entrepreneurship’s Director of External Engagement & Mentorship, Eric is famous for bringing people together and making big things happen. Eric’s journey spans government, global organizations, and higher ed, where he’s tackled everything from complex project launches at the Michigan Attorney General’s office to driving innovative campus collaborations and systems at UM-Dearborn.
Aside from the résumé, it’s Eric’s passion for bold thinking and student empowerment that truly sets him apart.
Camouflaged Entrepreneurship
Eric’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned. It was sparked by the invigoration of “taking bold and/or novel approaches to changing the status quo.” He credits working with CFE students and alumni for opening his eyes to how his own experiences building political campaigns, reimagining government operations, and filling gaps for nonprofits were all entrepreneurial at heart.
“Building and running political campaigns was (at times) similar to operating a short-term startup. Ideating, building, and selling new approaches for government and university operations required teams willing to innovate. ID’ing market gaps for non-profits and experimental tactics to fundraise for them was about creating value & stakeholder stickiness where it hadn’t existed before,” Eric reflects. So whether you’re into business, policy, or activism, entrepreneurial thinking crosses boundaries.
250 Students. 40+ Majors. 1 Room. No filter.
Eric was busy transforming career services at UM-Dearborn when a colleague called out a “maverick-esqe entrepreneurial center on north campus” that he had to check out. After that pivotal introduction to CFE’s executive director (and a quick-turn application), Eric took the lead in scaling alumni relations and mentorship.
“In 2016, after a year of working at CFE, I was given the privilege of curating EHour’s annual line-up of speakers,” Eric says. Launched before the CFE itself, EHour continues to be one of the most dynamic entrepreneurship courses on campus.
A Teacher’s Tenet: Humility
When asked what he enjoys about teaching, Eric responds with enthusiasm. “No two days, or students, are ever the same; teaching is the most rewarding and energizing part of my job.”
Whether he’s building CFE’s transformative treks or curating meaningful moments, working with students gives Eric hope for the future. “Learning alongside the curious, thoughtful leaders in the next generation fuels my optimism,” he shares. Effective teaching means evolving your perspective, immersing yourself in cultural context, and staying grounded. “You’re constantly reminded of all that you don’t know and how others might have experienced something differently.”
Eric keeps things invigorating with adventures big and small, whether sea kayaking, landscaping, or hanging with his dog. He loves all things geopolitics and prides himself on being a trusted friend and a loving father.
Tips for Students
Want to make your mark? Eric says, “Having an entrepreneurial mindset is what’ll empower you to change the world. In short, it teaches you to create value, identify opportunities, and scale impact. It’s not just about starting a company.” His best advice? “Scratch at your curiosities; attend an ENTR event, take a class, join an org, etc. Do it as early and often as you can. I hear too many seniors wishing they had done so earlier.”
Outside the Classroom
Eric keeps things invigorating with adventures big and small, whether sea kayaking, landscaping, or hanging with his dog. He loves all things geopolitics and prides himself on being “the kind of friend everyone wants to have.”
One thing’s for certain: EHour students are lucky to have Eric in their corner.