History of the Center

Dr. Bettie Starr, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, began discussion with the Business Department in early 2010 about the development of a Center for Entrepreneurship knowing that a need existed both in the community for the creation of jobs and at the College for the experiential learning for students. Parallel to these discussions was the funding by the Appalachia Regional Commission of a Renewable Energy Grant for Columbia, Kentucky, that would be implemented by the College in coordination with the Energy Technology Career Academy, which had received community and national recognition for its work in energy education and sustainability.  One of the goals of the project was to incubate a solar panel construction business which would make and sell panels for charging batteries to be used as backup power for the marine and emergency services markets in the region. The Center for Entrepreneurship would be the incubator of the business. So in the fall of 2010, the Center became a viable entity complete with an Advisory Board, Oversight Committee, and a 2010-2011 Plan that encompassed the following; (1) Incubating the Solar Panel Business (2) Creating a Seminar Series free and open to the public for the purpose of providing needed resources and training for entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and high-school and college students. The leadership of the Center is provided by the Business Department but clearly the program is interdisciplinary, involving faculty and students from all divisions of the College.

Mission Statement

To assist in the creation and growth of new for-profit and non-profit organizations; to enhance the education of Lindsey Wilson College students with real-world experience, and to foster partnerships among students, faculty, establish business leaders, and new entrepreneurs.  The Center aims to improve the economic culture of the surrounding community and, in doing so, improve people's quality of life through greater prosperity.