Message From the Dean

Even before the College’s name changed to include “entrepreneurship,” students at Kent State have had many opportunities to learn about and launch businesses. Extending on this tradition of entrepreneurship, I am pleased to announce that the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship is the first named Center in the College. The Brinzos have a long history of supporting students studying entrepreneurship. Thanks to their philanthropic support, students like 2022 pitch winner Lauren Hollis have benefitted from the programming and mentoring available through the center. 

More recently, the College launched the ASPIRE Entrepreneurial Workshop Series at Kent State University which this month will feature legendary mutual fund manager Mario J. Gabelli, founder, chairman and CEO of GAMCO Investments, Inc. (formerly known as Gabelli Asset Management Company). We invite you to join us for his talk on October 12.

Entrepreneurship students recently attended the Rice Business Plan Competition, the largest intercollegiate startup competition in the world. While there, they visited startup companies and a business incubator to talk with founders of startups about their experience. Following the trip, one Kent State student accepted a paid social media internship with Interplay Learning, one of the start-ups they visited.

As you can see, the College offers many opportunities for students to learn about and become entrepreneurs. I hope you enjoy reading about their successes.

Deborah F. Spake, Ph.D.
Dean