Dr. Lee Honored with OCBJ Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award for Transformational Leadership at Westcliff University
Westcliff University proudly celebrates Dr. Anthony Lee, President and CEO, for being named the recipient of the prestigious Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award at the annual ceremony held on Thursday, March 20, 2025. This accolade recognizes Dr. Lee’s visionary leadership, groundbreaking contributions to higher education, and unwavering commitment to innovation, accessibility, and workforce alignment.
Since taking the helm of Westcliff University in 2012, Dr. Lee has transformed the institution from a small university with just 20 students into a globally recognized hub for higher learning, serving over 7,000 students from 130+ countries. Under his leadership, Westcliff has redefined what it means to be an entrepreneurial university, pioneering AI-driven education, expanding academic offerings, and forging strategic industry partnerships to ensure student success in an evolving workforce.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The OCBJ Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award is a testament to Dr. Lee’s extraordinary vision, resilience, and dedication to transforming education. As he accepted the award, he reflected on Westcliff’s mission:
“Entrepreneurship is about solving problems, creating opportunities, and making a lasting difference. At Westcliff, we are not just educating students—we are shaping the future of industries, businesses, and communities. I am deeply honored to receive this award, this recognition belongs to our entire Westcliff family—our students, faculty, staff, and partners—who share this vision and work tirelessly to bring it to life.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Dr. Lee’s entrepreneurial mindset has been the driving force behind Westcliff’s rapid ascent. Long before remote learning became the norm, he led the university in implementing cutting-edge online education strategies, positioning Westcliff as a leader in flexible, technology-driven learning. His commitment to accessibility and affordability has resulted in the university awarding over $12 million in scholarships, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive.
Beyond education, Dr. Lee has cultivated a culture of entrepreneurship and social impact. Through initiatives like the Westcliff Entrepreneurial Clinic and the SMART™ Capstone Program, students gain hands-on experience solving real-world business challenges. With over $1 million in startup funding secured through partnerships with Tech Coast Angels—and a commitment to doubling that investment—Westcliff continues to serve as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Empowering the Future of Higher Education
Dr. Lee’s ability to anticipate and address industry shifts has positioned Westcliff at the forefront of workforce development. The university’s expansion into high-growth fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science has led to a 30% year-over-year increase in technology and engineering enrollments. The upcoming launch of the Westcliff College of Nursing further underscores his commitment to addressing critical workforce shortages in healthcare.
Additionally, Dr. Lee’s leadership has extended Westcliff’s global reach, with new programs in Toronto, Dubai, and Italy tailored to regional workforce needs. His efforts to democratize education have created opportunities for students worldwide, proving that entrepreneurship in higher education is about more than just growth—it’s about impact.
Westcliff University congratulates Dr. Lee on this incredible achievement and looks forward to continuing its mission of innovation, excellence, and impact under his leadership.