The Center for Entrepreneurship is back under the wing of the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University.
After five years with WSU's College of Innovation and Design, the move to reintegrate the office, which supports students and founders in the early startup phase, will "enhance its position as a premier entrepreneurial center," WSU says.
"Our aspiration is to transform it into a vibrant, interdisciplinary global hub that not only offers extensive opportunities but also cultivates invaluable insights for the advancement and prosperity of our community," Barton School dean Larissa Genin said in a news release. "This initiative will provide exceptional immersive experiences for our students, faculty and other vital stakeholders, establishing new benchmarks for innovation and engagement."
According to the university, the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship was founded in 1977 by Fran Jabara, a professor and former dean of the business school.
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"WSU was one of the first universities to offer academic opportunities in entrepreneurship," said Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University. "The Center for Entrepreneurship has made a significant impact on businesses across the country and will continue to provide meaningful, tangible and immersive experiences."
The office supports the startup community from pre-seed to early-stage development, including a number of accelerator programs, competitions and networking groups.
Genin said the Barton School intends to continue to partner with the College of Innovation and Design, which offers a curriculum focused on human-centered critical thinking and problem solving, as well as other colleges across campus.
"As CID focuses on deepening its strength in managing and developing emerging technologies, we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the Barton School to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders," said Jeremy Patterson, the dean of the College of Innovation and Design.
