Missouri State University plans to create an Innovation Institute designed to connect students with employers and community organizations through applied learning opportunities and collaborative projects.
The universitywide initiative will bring together academic expertise and business connections through the efactory, according to a community announcement. The institute is intended to expand innovation-focused programming across the university while creating new opportunities for students, faculty members and external partners to work together on real-world challenges.
The institute will be led jointly by the divisions of academic affairs, and community and global partnerships. Rachel Munday, assistant vice president for economic development,
and Jason DeBode, head of the management department, will serve as co-directors.
“By bringing together students, faculty, businesses and community partners, the Innovation Institute will create more opportunities to learn, collaborate and make a difference on campus and beyond,” Munday said in the announcement.
Focus on hands-on learning
University officials said in the announcement that the institute will help students apply classroom knowledge to projects involving complex problems, competing priorities and practical constraints.
The initiative will emphasize critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and adaptability through partnerships with employers and community organizations. University leaders said in the announcement that entrepreneurial thinking will be a key component, regardless of students’ academic disciplines.
“An entrepreneurial mindset is about seeing opportunities, asking better questions and finding ways to create value, which are skills every student can use, regardless of their major or career path,” DeBode said in the announcement.
Planned offerings include interdisciplinary courses, an entrepreneurial mindset minor and a faculty fellows program aimed at expanding innovation and experiential learning opportunities across colleges.
“We believe students are best served when they have opportunities to apply their knowledge through tangible experiences,” Provost Clarenda Phillips said in the announcement. “The Innovation Institute embodies our commitment to preparing students who will thrive in their careers and make lasting, positive impacts in their communities.”
Building ties with employers and organizations
The institute also will serve as a central point of contact for businesses, nonprofits and public organizations seeking partnerships with Missouri State.
According to the announcement, organizations will be able to work with students and faculty through applied projects, internships, workshops and other innovation-focused activities.
Initial priorities include coordinating applied student projects, launching interdisciplinary programming, establishing the faculty fellows program, and hosting workshops and speaker events through a new Innovation Scholars program for students.
University officials said in the announcement that the initiative supports Missouri State’s public affairs mission by linking education and academic expertise with efforts to strengthen communities and the regional economy.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State creating Innovation Institute for students, employers
