

The Entrepreneurial Perspective
From a Smalltown to the World:
An Entrepreneur's Journey and the Adventures of Feeding the World
Minot State University and the Minot State Severson Entrepreneurship Academy are proud to sponsor The Entrepreneurial Perspective - From a Smalltown to the World: An Entrepreneur's Journey and the Adventures of Feeding the World.
About the Event
Through an inspiring speaker series, we aim to offer dynamic live case studies, ignite the entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a culture of innovation and growth in North Dakota. The lunch presentation will focus on various opportunities in agriculture through the unique experiences of Murad Al-Katib.
Event Schedule • March 25
Minot State University Conference Center
Third Floor, Student Center • Free lunch served

11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m : Presentation
Murad Al-Katib
President and Chief Executive Officer, AGT Food and Ingredients
Murad Al-Katib is President, CEO and a Board member of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. A strategic business and financial thinker in an international agri-food commodity trading business, Murad founded AGT Foods in 2001, building a Canadian start-up into a global billion dollar value-added pulses, staple foods, and ingredients company.

Discussion to follow with special guests:
Clint Severson and Conni Ahart
The Severson Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA) was created as a result of a $1 million dollar milestone gift from Clint Severson and Conni Ahart to the Minot State University on Feb. 9, 2010. Since then, Severson and Ahart have contributed additional milestone gifts to enhance the SEA through a full bachelor's program, a student club, internship opportunities as well as a state-of-the-art space for teaching and learning. Severson and Ahart routinely return to Minot State to teach students the invaluable lessons they've learned on their journey to success.
Severson was chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Abaxis, a medical devices company based in northern California. He was the 2007 Forbes Entrepreneur of the Year and a 1973 alumnus of then Minot State College.

1:30 - 3 p.m.
Severson Entrepreneurship Center Open House
The Severson Entrepreneurship Center was renovated in 2024 to incorporate new technologies into an innovative teaching and learning environment. Join us after the event for an open house in the Severson Entrepreneurship Center on Third Floor, Old Main.