What happens when you follow curiosity (and say “yes” to a friend’s invitation)? For Dabney Peters, a U-M student studying Economics, it meant stepping into Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and discovering a community that continues to inspire and uplift him.
Drawn to the CFE
Dabney’s path with the Center for Entrepreneurship began in true Michigan fashion, through shared connection and peer inspiration.
“I took ENTR 407: EHour during my first semester of freshman year after friends pursuing entrepreneurship minors recommended the class and invited me to take it with them,” Dabney recalls. He was also drawn in by the CFE’s stellar reputation.
“I had also encountered the CFE’s consistently strong reputation and global ranking (#4 in 2026) while researching colleges prior to applying.”
Since those first days, Dabney has gone all in, stepping up as an Instructor’s Assistant for ENTR 500: Intro to Innovation: Tools for Career Success, ENTR 560: Project Management Consulting, and ENTR 550: Interpersonal Skills: Leveling up to Leadership. Along the way, his passion for innovation has only grown.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
As Dabney learns and evolves through his entrepreneurial education, he builds his own definition of entrepreneurship.
“The entrepreneurial mindset is the willingness to accept real and intimidating challenges with excitement, determination, and tact. To be brave enough to do that is to be an entrepreneur.”
He saw this mindset in action through CFE programming, especially in a conversation with Andy Lapsa, CEO of Stoke Space, during EHour.
“Andy described the challenges he faced in founding his company… leaving a stable, high-paying leadership role while supporting a family, working out of a basement for six months without access to major financiers, and investing countless hours, resources, and failed prototypes before successfully launching and landing their first rocket hopper. Stoke is now valued at $2 billion. It takes true bravery to do something like that.”
It’s both a lesson and an invitation, one that resonates through Dabney’s own experiences as an innovator and mentor.
Giving Back to CFE
“The best thing about being an Instructor’s Assistant through the CFE is how frequently I engage with inspiration and creativity,” Dabney enthuses.
Working closely with Professor Aaron Crumm on ENTR 500: Intro to Innovation, Dabney saw firsthand how new ideas bloom:
“I was constantly exposed to students wrestling with new ideas, reframing problems, and discovering their own capacity to innovate,” he remembers. “Working alongside Professor Crumm, I saw innovation as a muscle that can be trained, which is a realization that brought me genuine joy. It also reshaped how I think about entrepreneurship—not as a fixed path toward a startup, but as a way of approaching any problem with curiosity, empathy, and agency.”
Making Moves and Building Community
When he’s not helping students unlock their creativity, Dabney stays busy soaking up everything the University of Michigan has to offer
“U-M is a unique little world. It has its own culture and personality, and everything in this world—from its sports matches to its academics and local food—are all of the highest quality. Participating in all of these excites me, but my personal favorite thing to do is read a book in The Arb. I’ll be out there as soon as it’s warm enough!”
Advice for Future Wolverines & Entrepreneurs
When asked for advice to future entrepreneurs, Dabney offers some serious words of wisdom. “Actively practice curiosity and humility; Ask meaningful questions; Pursue relationships with people you connect well with—including professors. While these actions require courage, you’ll be surprised at what opportunities open up for you when you start doing them.” I
Next Steps
The future is bright for Dabney! This summer, he’s interning at Goldman Sachs, propelling him into a career in Wealth Management. That’s not the only achievement on his radar, though.
“I’ve also written a novel recently, and I intend to have it published within the next two years. My highest entrepreneurial aspiration is to become an esteemed novelist.”
Ready to Connect?
Dabney’s story is proof that CFE’s resources and community lift students from all backgrounds. Whether you’re chasing innovation, creative expression, or simply the next big “aha” moment, there’s a place for you here.
Interested in charting your own path? Sign up for an entrepreneurship course, drop in at EHour, or swing by a CFE event. Who knows? Your journey might start with a single question… or an invitation from a friend.