Entrepreneurial Perspective: From a Smalltown to the World
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University and the Minot State University’s Severson Entrepreneurship Academy are hosting a special edition of The Entrepreneurial Perspective series.
On March 25, the University will celebrate the grand opening of the Severson Entrepreneurial Academy renovation in Old Main with a presentation, a panel discussion with special guests Clint Severson ’73 and Conni Ahart, and an open house at the renovated Severson Entrepreneurship Center.
The day will kick off with the next installment of the Entrepreneurial Perspective series featuring Murad Al-Katib, president and chief executive officer at AGT Food and Ingredients. Entrepreneurial Perspective: From a Smalltown to the World, An Entrepreneur’s Journey and the Adventures of Feeding the World will feature Al-Katib during a free lunch presentation from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the MSU Student Center Conference Center.
A strategic business and financial thinker in an international agri-food commodity trading business, Al-Katib founded AGT Foods in 2001, building a Canadian start-up into global billion-dollar, value-added pulses, staple foods, and ingredients company. In 2017, Al-Katib was named the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year and PROFITGuide Magazine’s 30 Most Fabulous Entrepreneurs of the Past 30 Years.
“We are very excited to have Murad come to the Minot State campus to give his insight and unique experiences in a global market,” said Randy Conway, MSU Severson Entrepreneurship Academy director. “This event will give our students a great opportunity to hear from a global leader who has worked his way up through a robust entrepreneurial spirit.”
Al-Katib is a passionate advocate of sustainable agriculture, speaking extensively on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector in food security and food inflation. Murad is also passionate about entrepreneurs, championing compassionate entrepreneurism and working to expand female, youth, and First Nations participation in business start-ups, advocating the role of entrepreneurs in driving social change and innovation in the new global economy.
Following Al-Katib’s presentation, the University is excited to welcome back Severson and Ahart, whose generosity created the Academy in 2010 and the extensive renovation to the third floor of Old Main in 2024. The dynamic duo will discuss their unique perspective on entrepreneurship during a half-hour presentation moderated by Conway.
The event will conclude with an open house at the Severson Entrepreneurship Center in Old Main (third floor) from 1:30-3 p.m., with a brief ceremony at 2 p.m. The renovation incorporated new technologies into an innovative teaching and learning environment. This event is free and open to the public, with refreshments served.
For more information on The Entrepreneurial Perspective see the event’s WEBSITE.
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: 03/12/25
