Paul College Professor Jeff Sohl was awarded the University of New Hampshire's highest honor this week, that of 2022 Distinguished Professor. Jeff is known internationally for his contributions and expertise in policy, practice and research in private equity, angel investing and venture capital, and he was among the first to conduct rigorous studies of angel investing before it became a hot topic. As the director of UNH’s Center for Venture Research for 28 years, he continues to bring global recognition to the university.
Sohl has an impressive record of publishing peer-reviewed research during his 39 years at UNH – work that helps him to share knowledge with colleagues, practitioners and students. He has also written dozens of technical reports for government and businesses, given numerous briefings to government agencies, made more than 100 speeches and/or panel appearances, and appeared as an expert in more than 800 media outlets and publications.
Sohl is highly regarded by students for his dedication to teaching, where he strikes a balance between challenging them to do their best and encouraging those who may need extra support.
Among the popular courses he developed is the Meaning of Entrepreneurship, which draws many non-Paul College students. Through the generosity of Mel Rines, Sohl also engineered the Mel Rines Student Angel Investment Fund, the first undergraduate angel investment fund in the world. And for many years, he has served as the faculty coordinator of the option in Entrepreneurial Studies.
For more than 30 years, he has been elected via a faculty-wide vote to the college promotion and tenure committee. But perhaps his biggest contribution is the colleagueship he shares with other faculty. He has mentored more faculty in the Paul College than any other faculty member, publishing with 17 different faculty members over his career, and six since 2018.
