Kevin Gardiner

Kevin Gardiner is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Connecticut's School of Business and College of Engineering, and serves as the Director of the Innovation Quest (iQ) Program. With nearly two decades of experience in management and executive roles, he has driven operational efficiency and enhanced employee/customer experiences across diverse industries, including eCommerce, Omni-Channel Retail, Artificial Intelligence, and Pharmaceutical Equipment. His career spans early-stage startups, multi-million-dollar companies like Welcome Commerce (acquired by Salsify), and Fortune 500 firms such as GSI Commerce (acquired by eBay) and Macy’s.

• Education: BSBA in Finance from Bryant University, MBA from the University of Connecticut, and currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design at Columbia University.

Kevin’s research and professional interests focus on interdisciplinary collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven operational improvements. He actively bridges academic theory with real-world practice through his leadership in the iQ Program. Outside academia, he holds elected office in Connecticut and enjoys cycling, drumming, and reading.

• Contact: kevin.gardiner@uconn.edu