Kostas Alexiou

Kostas Alexiou serves as Associate Professor in the Management and Entrepreneurship Department at the Sykes College of Business, University of Tampa, teaching courses including Business Model Development, Creativity & Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Marketing while coordinating the undergraduate senior capstone experience.

Education:

• 2007: B.S. from Ohio University
• 2012: M.B.A. from University of Denver
• 2017: Ph.D. from Kent State University

His research investigates legitimacy perceptions of innovative ventures under ambiguity, integrating social psychology and sociology to analyze how new organizations gain acceptance in hybrid markets. Published in journals like Journal of Business Venturing and Strategic Organization, his work emphasizes real-world applications for entrepreneurs navigating uncharted industry spaces.

Honors:

• 2024 SO! What Best Paper Award (5-year impact)
• 2021 Sykes College of Business Researcher of the Year
• 2016 Academy of Management Doctoral Consortium Fellowship
• 2016 Kauffman Foundation Fellowship

Alexiou actively mentors students across all entrepreneurship programs, co-advises the UT Entrepreneurship Club, and coaches teams for pitch competitions while guiding alumni through seed funding negotiations. His external collaborations include developing Amazon's Small Business Academy with CEO and serving as USASBE conference track chair. Institutional service includes chairing the University Salary & Benefits Committee (2021-2023) and advising the Lowth Center.