Nathan M. Bisk College of Business Launches Entrepreneurship Initiatives

By Dr. Ann Becker, Dean of the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business is promoting entrepreneurship in undergraduate and graduate education through strategic initiatives that are currently underway. These strategic initiatives are aligned with the College of Business vision: “To develop international business leaders capable of critical thinking, creating value, and managing innovation through entrepreneurial learning.”

Several highlighted initiatives:

• Undergraduate Research Experience in Business Planning.  In spring semester 2012, undergraduate business students  will have an opportunity to learn and explore the business planning process as an integral part of a research experience.
• Special Topics Courses in New Venture Development and Entrepreneurship and Managing Innovation.  During the 2011-12 academic year, MBA students have the opportunity to study critical elements of creating and nurturing new business ventures and managing innovation.
• Florida Tech Entrepreneurs Club. Re-launched by the College of Business marketing professor and entrepreneur, Dr. Sam Doss, the Entrepreneurs Club is open to all students at Florida Tech. Club members meet regularly to share business ideas, explore entrepreneurship as a career path, and to interact with local entrepreneurs.
• Visiting Entrepreneurship Program.  Business leaders and accomplished entrepreneurs are featured speakers as part of the College of Business Visiting Entrepreneur Program.  They share their insights, experiences, and expertise in business startup, sustainability, and growth. Business students have an opportunity to engage with Visiting Entrepreneurs to learn about entrepreneurship as a career path.
• Youth Entrepreneurship Summer Camp.   Week-long sessions are hosted by Florida Tech’s Women’s Business Center in partnership with Junior Achievement of the Space Coast. High school students explore entrepreneurship as a future career path. Accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders participate in the camp in support of a broad range of activities.
• High School Business Plan Competition.  Hosted late fall semester by Florida Tech’s Women’s Business Center in partnership with Junior Achievement of the Space Coast,  young entrepreneurs from local high schools compete for education scholarships. Business faculty and administration, business leaders, and accomplished entrepreneurs participate in the event.

Recent Events:

Retired President of Babson College and Corporate Executive William F. Glavin Visits Nathan M. Bisk College of Business

Business faculty had the opportunity to spend some time with retired president of Babson College and former corporate executive William (Bill) F. Glavin (see featured image).  The faculty and Mr. Glavin engaged in a “think tank” type session in discussing entrepreneurship in business education.  Mr. Bill Glavin shared his insights based on 34 years of management experience with Xerox and IBM and as the ninth president of Babson College where he  was credited with advancing curriculum and national reputation in entrepreneurship.

Pictured left to right in featured image: Mr. Tim Muth, Director of Student Assessment, Dr. Ann Becker, Dean of the College of Business, Mr. Bill Glavin Former President of Babson College  (back), Dr. Ami Dutta, Associate Professor of Finance (front), Dr. Mardi Sale, Associate Professor of Accounting, Dr. Donn Miller-Kermani, Director of the Women’s Business Center, Dr. Henry Perez, Assistant Professor of Healthcare Management.  Not pictured: Dr. Alex Vamosi, Associate Dean of Academics, Mr. Mike Workman, Professor of Information Systems, and Dr. Sam Doss, Assistant Professor of Marketing.

Featured Speakers, Nathan M. Bisk College of Business Visiting Entrepreneur Program.  

Ms. Jacie Stivers, business leader and accomplished entrepreneur, kicked off the College of Business Visiting Entrepreneur Program on October 6th.  She gave a talk entitled, Are you an Inspired Entrepreneur?  The Unromantic View.   Ms. Stivers is the founder of Commercial Investment Real Estate, Inc., and recently was the Entrepreneur in Residence at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Mr. Robert Keimer, business instructor and accomplished entrepreneur, was the  featured speaker November 15th for the College of Business Visiting Entrepreneur Program.  He gave a talk entitled, A Shoe Shine Kit & a Piggy Bank: Guideposts for Entrepreneurship.  Mr. Keimer is a co-founder of Airgonomix, LLC; and he is the program coordinator for the Entrepreneurial Training Services Program offered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and New Business Development at Florida Tech.