Severson Entrepreneurship Academy to Expand
New academic enhancements are on the horizon for Minot State University’s Severson Entrepreneurship Academy, expanding services and projects. This expansion will empower entrepreneurs and regional business leaders to discover new opportunities, such as found by MSU students in creating Minot’s Beaver Brew Café, in North Dakota’s booming Bakken region.
At a Feb. 14 news conference, Clint Severson, alumnus, and David Fuller, MSU president, elaborated on how the expansion will benefit Minot State students, faculty and staff as well as business leaders, now and into the future.
Expanded services and projects include:
1) The Severson Entrepreneurship Academy will conduct research of business opportunities in western North Dakota through surveys and interviews performed by students to assist area businesses in planning for new business ventures. This will all take place under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy director, as well as the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy student leader. Faculty expertise will also be solicited for research methodology and analysis.
2) Data collected through the research process will be kept in a data repository and technology incubator to: provide data for area businesses, students, faculty and staff exploring business opportunities in the Bakken; train and teach current and future students; develop online entrepreneurial opportunities. The repository will be housed in a classroom redesigned to become a technology center and will be maintained by the College of Business.
3) Student scholarships will be provided to motivate and attract College of Business students to entrepreneurship. Scholarships will be awarded to students who are active in the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy and plan their future careers as entrepreneurs.
This expansion was made possible by a $500,000 gift given by Clint Severson, a 1973 graduate, and Conni Ahart and a $250,000 grant from the Higher Ed Challenge Grant supported by legislators.
“The Severson Entrepreneurship Academy’s Challenge Grant will enable the MSU College of Business to not only help students, faculty and staff but the community as a whole,” said Chuck Barney, Severson Entrepreneurship Academy director. “Surveying the Bakken will help businesses and entrepreneurs identify opportunities and promote new business growth.”
For more information, contact Barney at chuck.barney@minotstateu.edu or 701-858-3019 or Jacek Mrozik, College of Business interim dean, at jacek.mrozik@minotstateu.edu or 701-858-3110.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 02/12/14 |
