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	<id>https://universityinnovation.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=Vhefner</id>
	<title>University Innovation Fellows - User contributions [en]</title>
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	<updated>2026-04-25T14:43:49Z</updated>
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		<id>https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=School:Elon_University&amp;diff=142741</id>
		<title>School:Elon University</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=School:Elon_University&amp;diff=142741"/>
		<updated>2025-09-24T18:35:47Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Vhefner: /* Related Links */&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[[File:Heading.jpg|border|Heading.jpg]]&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Overview'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;=&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div&amp;gt;Founded in 1889, Elon University is a private institution with an undergraduate enrollment rate of more than 7,000 students. Currently organized into six schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, School of Communications, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, and School of Law, this university allows students to decide from nearly 60 majors. While the curriculum is grounded in the traditional liberal arts and sciences, all first year students are given the option to choose among multiple programs and organizations. As of 2022, Elon University withholds more than 250 organizations ranging from academic honors to undergraduate research associations. In addition to this, Elon University is also currently ranked #1 for Study Abroad and Undergraduate Teaching, and #6 for Most Innovative University by the US News and World Report. Students and faculty members at this university are joined in classrooms with a ratio of 12:1 with the average class size being 20. All faculty and staff members in every area of expertise exhibit vast skills in research, scholarship, and academic affairs.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
==&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Promotes Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span id=&amp;quot;docs-internal-guid-1e8a966d-7fff-e50d-3857-dc859a4d89d4&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Elon currently offers a major and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation through the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation major places strong emphasis on business, startup processes, and design thinking. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor places a strong enphasis on the entrepreneurial process and developing the tools and abilities needed for students to create their own startups. As a registered major and department under the Love School of Business, this program prepares students to become entrepreneurs in either for-profit or social businesses. &amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span id=&amp;quot;docs-internal-guid-1e8a966d-7fff-e50d-3857-dc859a4d89d4&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Established in 2018, the Sankey Hall building houses Entrepreneurship and Innovation professors and staff, as well as the Doherty Center. Our promotion of I&amp;amp;E seeks to inspire students to create and change the world around them in a variety of majors, requiring widespread faculty support and appeals to creativity that match all kinds of students. The Doherty Center has established numerous events and programs that are offered as interdisciplinary in focus and the Doherty Center Scholar Interns work at establishing relationships with students across campus. Its signature event is the Elon Innovation Challenge, where student either alone or in teams work to create a prototype to solve a problem on campus to present to a panel of judges. Past challenge problems have included finding ways to reduce campus waste and how to connect more students on  Two other important annual events for the Center are the W.E Do! Women and Entrepreneurship conference and the Black Innovation Matters Conference. Both the Elon Innovation Challenge and the W.E. Do! conferences are co-chaired by a UI Fellow. &amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span id=&amp;quot;docs-internal-guid-1e8a966d-7fff-e50d-3857-dc859a4d89d4&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;In addition to the E&amp;amp;I major and the Elon Innovation Challenge, Elon University has funded the Center for Design Thinking on campus. This center works with faculty to facilitate workshops for students to learn how to use design thinking in their classes, projects and throughout their lives. Danielle Lake, the director of the Center for Design Thinking, is working on partnering with different organizations on campus, such as the CREDE and the GLC, to bring the campus together and help educate students about how design thinking can be used to create solutions to social justice issues. This is also shown through their work with Design for America, a nationally recognized organization that uses the design thinking process to bring about social change within the Elon community. Additionally, students have the opportunity to educate their peers on design thinking processes and methods as Design Thinking Catalysts with the Elon By Design initiative. The Center for Design Thinking has also partnered with the Maker Hub to host an event called Pop-Up &amp;amp; Play. This event focuses on helping students bring play back into their lives by using design thinking methods. The Center for Design thinking also offers a one credit winter term course available to students of all majors.&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Innovation Living Learning Community is offered to first year Innovation Scholar students. The Innovation Scholars program is a scholarship run out of the Doherty Center consisting of roughly 15 students in each years cohort. These students are trained in team building, the entrepreneurial mindset, and eventually are guided in creating their own venture during their time at Elon. The Innovation LLC offers these students a place to facilitate their experiences in the program and harness these new ideas as a unit. &amp;lt;span id=&amp;quot;docs-internal-guid-1e8a966d-7fff-e50d-3857-dc859a4d89d4&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;The residentially-based experience equips participants with a strong foundation for tackling global issues and exploring big ideas. Student Made Elon is a program through the Doherty Center at Elon that highlights students who have started their own businesses. This program works with the students to promote their business and is a great opportunity for any students who are already entrepreneurs. Student Made Elon also provides students with a tent at the Elon Farmer's Market if they want to sell their products to the community. Oaks Originals is another key entrepreneurial resource for Elon students. This initiative supports student entrepreneurs in establishing a variety of ventures. Student entrepreneurs can participate in several pop-up shops and workshops throughout the year to gain hands-on experience in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. A future collaboration between the School of Communications and Oaks Originals initiative is in the works to further engage a wide range of students in entrepreneurial opportunities. The partnership will connect communication students looking to gain experience with student entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their brand identity.&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span id=&amp;quot;docs-internal-guid-1e8a966d-7fff-e50d-3857-dc859a4d89d4&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;The recent addition of the Elon University Innovation Quad stands to further expand on-campus access to design thinking tools and practices. As these spaces are primarily oriented toward STEM fields, opportunities await in future development toward more interdisciplinary engagement with these innovative resources. &amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Encouraging Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Elon University’s faculty members curate an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset through independent projects and research publications in collaboration with students. Promoting the idea of collaboration among different departments/faculties for a holistic learning experience can help students bounce their ideas and create new innovative ideas. The small ratio of students to professors cultivates a professional and personal relationship that encourages the pursuit of learning outside of the classroom. To allow these collaborations to come to fruition, the university offers many grants and sponsorships for professors in a wide array of disciplines. Not only are research and personal projects supported, but the Center for Advancement of Teaching and Learning utilizes innovation to foster a more inclusive classroom experience and pedagogy. By advocating for these opportunities for students and faculty, innovation and entrepreneurship are widespread and recognized throughout campus.&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;Workshops and seminars can be a helpful way to discover your inner entrepreneurial mindset by sharing insights and trends that are commonly seen through entrepreneurship. With the implementation of these strategies it can help create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within Elon, equipping students with the needed skills, resources, and opportunities they need to launch successful startups. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Actively Support the University Technology Transfer Function'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Although we do not have anything on campus that falls into this category as of right now, one of our prior cohort's prototypes involved the addition of a new office to the &amp;quot;Instructional &amp;amp; Campus Technologies&amp;quot; department named &amp;quot;Protection for You&amp;quot;. The office would work on informing students and faculty on patents, copyrights, and trademarks. In addition, the office would simply answer any questions students may have or guide students in the proper direction.&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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==&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Facilitating University - Industry Collaboration'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Elon is located in the Triad and is very close to the Research Triangle. Our Student Professional Development Center works to connect students with businesses in both of these areas. In addition, Elon also hosts large job and internship fairs that bring in startups and large companies from around the US, like Deloitte and Oracle. Because Elon is surrounded by many other universities with strong research focuses, it can be difficult to attract larger research projects. Despite this struggle, Elon has been able to build meaningful relationships and provide opportunities for collaboration with some smaller local companies. For example, our Environmental Department has been involved with doing some really neat testing for products that will be sold to Kobalt. Working on similar projects with other local businesses and throughout other Elon departments is something we could definitely continue to push for as a Leadership Circle. To do this we will need to continue to build connections by reaching out to local companies to see what types of projects and research that Elon students could help progress. Additionally, because we are such a small school compared to schools like NC State, Elon could also benefit from reaching out to these other, larger universities. Creating a connection between these schools could expand the network of opportunities not only for Elon students but for college students all around North Carolina. &amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Engaging with Regional and Economic Development Efforts'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Elon has made a lot of progress in this area and our plans are to continue to make huge leaps and bounds here. The town of Elon and the surrounding area were hit hard when the textile companies left. Over the next 20 years our university has major priorities to help build up the areas around Elon and create an environment that will bring in more business and attract students and faculty. We have also invested in offices in downtown Burlington and Greensboro that are specifically geared toward community engagement, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These efforts are only possible with the support of the entire university so we plan to help out in whatever way we can. Initially it will be important to do surveys and studies on other universities that have accomplished similar goals. One example that we have looked at is Duke University, which has helped transform Durham over the years. The University has also invested capital into local education. A new elementary school, funded by Elon University, opened its doors for the first time to students in the fall of 2018. Additionally, Elon Academy, apart of Elon's Center for Access and Success, is a program that assists high school students in the area surrounding Elon. Elon Academy aims to aid families with financial need or families with little to no history in college.&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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==&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color:#800000;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;'''Next Steps'''&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Interdisciplinary innovation (not just through business school)&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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*&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Expanding and improving I&amp;amp;E culture (forums, speakers, discussions, LLC, awards, more student businesses, etc.)&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Marketing (using Pendulum, career fair, and likely social media to advertise our events)&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*Identify and create new sources that stimulate innovation (Expand Doherty Center, improve ENT Major and core curriculum)&lt;br /&gt;
*Create a Grant program for small businesses and student Entrepreneurs&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Since Elon is essentially starting from &amp;quot;stage 1,&amp;quot; we must do everything we can to get more students to start businesses, non-profits, organizations, etc. and truly ingrain creativity into our culture.&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:x-large;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;color: rgb(128, 0, 0);&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Elon University Landscape Canvas&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;=&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Hmia4R_OXcxJC5nCxr9RyLWOUG-bQjhQvFJnhepDSus [1]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:small;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TCittUeWJaZGflEmA0TvSvxcCWw_Zo0jzAET9-RSoNE/edit?usp=sharing Slidedeck]&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Related Links=&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[https://www.elon.edu/ Elon University]&lt;br /&gt;
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Elon_University_Student_Priorities Elon University Student Priorities]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
University Innovation Fellows&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2025: Vivian Hefner, Libby Pollard, Alexia Llanas, Carter May&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2024: Helena Hanzal Childress, Cannon Marshall, Eli Striker, Carlo Webber&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2023: [[Fellow:Samuel Abner|Samuel Abner]], [[Fellow:Bryan Connor Floyd|Bryan Floyd]], [[Fellow:Ian Prohofsky|Ian Prohofsky,]] [[Fellow:Margaret Rolfe|Maggie Rolfe,]] [[Fellow:Aidan Walsh|Aidan Walsh]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2022: [[Fellow:Ashley Josey|Ashley Josey]], [[Fellow:Eddie Keefe|Eddie Keefe]], [[Fellow:Emmet Owen|Emmet Owen]], [[Fellow:Joshua Mason|Joshua Mason]], [[Fellow:MK Anyimah|MK Anyimah]], [[Fellow:Nathaniel Lerman|Nathaniel Lerman]], [[Fellow:TJ Mathis|TJ Mathis]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2021: [[Fellow:Yancy Longin|Yancy Longin,]] [[Fellow:Samuel Ramirez|Samuel Ramirez,]] [[Fellow:Nicholas Muller|Nicholas Muller,]] [[Fellow:Miki Radan|Miki Radan,]] [[Fellow:Isabel E. Gouveia|Isabel Gouveia,]] [[Fellow:Ayesh Awad|Ayesh Awad,]] [[Fellow:Alexandra Cope|Alexandra Cope]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2020: [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Christina_Wyatt Christina Wyatt], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Haydn_Stucker Haydn Stucker], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Jakob_Reuter Jakob Reuter], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Jane_Ragland Jane Ragland], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Maggie_Cox Maggie Cox], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Riley_Corvin Riley Corvin], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Zoë_Rein Zoë Rein] &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2019: [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Alaa_Suleiman Alaa Suleiman], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/User:Jperline Julia Perline], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/User:Lrothschild Lilly Rothschild], [http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/User:Samgans Sam Gans]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fall 2018:&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Gillian_Hook Gillian Hook],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/SYDNEY_THORNTON Sydney Thornton]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Spring 2018:&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Yousaf_Khan Yousaf Khan],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Regan_O%27Donnell Regan O'Donnell],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Noor_Irshaidat Noor Irshaidat],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Haley_Brengartner Haley Brengartner]&amp;amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Spring 2017:&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Josh_Cadorette Josh Cadorette],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Briana_Brady Briana Brady],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/James_setzer James Setzer],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Nick_Smith Nick Smith]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Spring 2016:&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Jordan Elizabeth Jordan],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Gabrielle_Vance Gabrielle Vance],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Sean_Webber Sean Webber],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Kyle_McKinley Kyle McKinley],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/William_Kakavas William Kakavas]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Spring 2015:&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Ben_Driscoll Ben Driscoll],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Jensen_Roll Jensen Roll],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Matt_Snow Matt Snow],&amp;amp;nbsp;[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Giles_Roll Giles Roll]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Universities]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Schools]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Elon_University]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{CatTree|Elon_University}}&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Vhefner</name></author>
		
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=School:American_International_College&amp;diff=142740</id>
		<title>School:American International College</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=School:American_International_College&amp;diff=142740"/>
		<updated>2025-09-24T18:24:30Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Vhefner: /* Innovation &amp;amp; Entrepreneurship at EU*/&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;===&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;'''Innovation &amp;amp; Entrepreneurship at AIC'''&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;===&lt;br /&gt;
American International College (AIC) provides a wealth of opportunities for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. With strong business programs that emphasize business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, AIC helps students establish a solid foundation for their future careers. These programs not only equip students with theoretical knowledge but also immerse them in real-world experiences that foster creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One of the standout resources available to students is the '''Saremi Center for Career Development''', which plays a crucial role in helping students transition from academics to the professional world. The center offers career counseling, résumé-building workshops, mock interviews, and networking events to help students prepare for job applications and career advancement. Additionally, the center facilitates internship placements, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest. These internships provide invaluable exposure to industry trends, business operations, and professional environments, helping students refine their career goals and develop essential workplace skills.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
AIC’s business and marketing professors bring a wealth of industry experience into the classroom, teaching students critical skills such as project proposal development, business strategy, financial planning, and management concepts. Students learn the importance of market research, customer engagement, and brand management—key factors in running a successful business. Courses emphasize the role of innovation in business, encouraging students to think outside the box and develop unique solutions to industry challenges.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Entrepreneurship at AIC is not limited to coursework. The college encourages students to engage with professionals and build meaningful connections that can lead to mentorship opportunities, internships, and even potential business partnerships. Students are also given opportunities to work on real-world projects, develop business proposals, and participate in case studies that enhance their understanding of business dynamics. There are a ton of clubs that students can choose from.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Another essential component of AIC’s business programs is the emphasis on '''public speaking and communication skills''', which are crucial for success in nearly every career. Many courses integrate presentations, pitches, and group discussions, helping students develop confidence in expressing their ideas. Effective communication is especially important for entrepreneurs who need to pitch their business ideas to investors, lead teams, and build strong relationships with clients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Overall, AIC fosters an environment that promotes creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. By offering a combination of academic learning, hands-on experiences, professional networking opportunities, and skill-building exercises, the college equips students with the tools they need to succeed in business and entrepreneurship. Whether students aspire to launch their businesses, work in corporate settings, or become industry leaders, AIC provides them with the resources and support necessary to achieve their goals. AIC also offers APEX. The course teaches students about taxes, buying a house, a car and getting a career after school.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Encouraging Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;===&lt;br /&gt;
American International College (AIC) fosters a dynamic campus environment where students and faculty collaborate through various clubs and organizations. These groups provide opportunities for students to engage with their peers and professors outside the classroom, fostering a sense of community and intellectual growth. Some notable organizations include the Noonan Tutoring Center, which offers academic support to students, and the ''Yellow Jacket'' newspaper, where students and faculty can contribute articles, share opinions, and discuss important campus and global issues.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, AIC currently does not have a dedicated entrepreneurship club or workshop program. Establishing such an initiative would provide students with a space to develop business ideas, explore product creation, and learn valuable skills related to launching startups. An innovation or entrepreneurship club could encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, take creative risks, and collaborate on projects that could have real-world applications. Faculty members with expertise in business, marketing, and communications could serve as mentors, guiding students in developing entrepreneurial mindsets.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In addition to general academic clubs, AIC also offers specialized organizations tailored to specific majors. For example, students pursuing physical therapy can join various clubs designed to enhance their professional knowledge and networking opportunities. Those interested in fashion, modeling, and self-expression may find a welcoming community in F.A.C.E, a club that emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world. Criminal justice majors can engage with like-minded individuals in the Criminal Justice Club, where they discuss industry trends, attend guest lectures, and explore career opportunities.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By continuing to expand its club offerings, AIC can further support student innovation and entrepreneurship. Encouraging students to think creatively and take initiative in their academic and extracurricular pursuits will prepare them for future careers and leadership roles. Establishing a creation-focused club would not only enhance the student experience but also align with AIC’s commitment to fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive educational environment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''&amp;lt;big&amp;gt;&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;University Technology Transfer Function&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/big&amp;gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
AIC does not have a dedicated '''Technology Transfer Office (TTO)''', but it offers several opportunities that indirectly support the transfer of knowledge, research, and innovation to real-world applications. One of the main avenues for this is through '''internships provided by the Saremi Center for Career Development''', which allows students to gain hands-on experience with professionals in various industries. These internships expose students to '''practical applications of their studies''' and can inspire them to develop their own research initiatives or innovative projects.. While these internships may not be explicitly labeled as &amp;quot;technology transfer,&amp;quot; they provide valuable real-world exposure. Encouraging students to '''engage in research-based internships''' can create an indirect pathway for technology commercialization and industry collaboration. For example, students working in biotech, media production, or business settings could help '''develop and promote innovative projects'''.In addition to internships, AIC has made significant investments in '''state-of-the-art technology and media production resources'''. The campus is equipped with '''brand-new Mac desktop computers, cutting-edge 3D printers, and a fully functional podcast and filming studio'''. These resources provide students with the tools they need to engage in creative and technological projects, whether for '''research, entrepreneurial endeavors, or academic assignments'''. Students interested in product design, digital media, or research-based innovation can use these facilities to develop, prototype, and refine their ideas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Furthermore, AIC is highly engaged in '''marketing and digital storytelling''', utilizing '''film, photography, and website content''' to create an inviting and engaging experience for prospective students. The college strategically integrates '''visual storytelling''' into its promotional efforts, making use of video production to highlight campus life, academic programs, and student success stories. This marketing approach not only helps '''attract new students''' but also provides a platform to showcase '''innovative projects and research happening on campus'''.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By combining '''internship experiences, advanced technology, and strong media marketing''', AIC offers students an environment where they can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to '''translate academic work into practical, real-world applications'''. While the college may not have a formal technology transfer office, these elements together provide students with the foundation needed to explore '''innovation, research commercialization, and industry collaboration''' in meaningful ways.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;&amp;lt;big&amp;gt;Facilitating University-Industry Collaboration&amp;lt;/big&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One key suggestion is for students to collaborate with the Saremi Center and APEX professors. These resources could provide invaluable guidance, mentorship, and access to high-quality research sources that could help students launch their own research projects. This collaboration would help students realize their full potential by offering them not just academic knowledge but also practical insights from experienced professionals who can guide their growth and development.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Introducing a hackathon to the campus would be another great way to encourage innovation. Hackathons are a wonderful opportunity for students to dive into real-world problems, work together in teams, and come up with creative solutions in a time-sensitive environment. It would be a fun, engaging, and collaborative experience that could challenge students to think outside the box while providing them with a platform to showcase their skills.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bringing in TED Talk speakers would also be a powerful way to inspire students and broaden their perspectives. TED Talks feature speakers from diverse backgrounds, offering students a range of ideas and insights on everything from cutting-edge technology to global social issues. These talks would help create a more dynamic, thought-provoking campus atmosphere, encouraging students to engage with topics beyond their immediate academic field.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In addition, launching an innovation program could allow students to truly show off their abilities, providing a structured way for them to develop and present their projects. This could range from research initiatives to entrepreneurial ventures, offering students a space to work on projects that demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to take initiative. An innovation program would give students the chance to build something tangible and meaningful, empowering them to take ownership of their educational experience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lastly, involving industry partners in shaping academic programs could provide students with crucial insights into the skills and knowledge that are currently in demand in the workforce. These partners could collaborate with faculty to ensure the curriculum aligns with industry needs, helping to better prepare students for their careers. By incorporating practical, real-world expertise into the academic experience, AIC could offer a more relevant and forward-thinking education.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;&amp;lt;big&amp;gt;Engaging with Regional and Local Economic Development Efforts&amp;lt;/big&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
American International College (AIC) has clearly established a strong foundation of community involvement, reflecting its commitment to supporting and giving back to the local area. The college’s educational outreach programs are a significant part of this, with students getting hands-on experience by observing teachers at local schools and even engaging in overseas teaching opportunities. This creates a dynamic relationship between AIC and local schools, where students can benefit from mentorship while giving back to the community in meaningful ways. By engaging with educational environments, students gain insights into the teaching profession while strengthening their ties with the community, helping to enhance local educational programs in the process.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Another key aspect of AIC’s community support is &amp;quot;Give Day.&amp;quot; This annual event provides a way for students, alumni, faculty, and friends to come together and donate money to support various initiatives within the college. It fosters a sense of unity among those connected to AIC, helping to fund scholarships, improve campus resources, and enrich academic programs. This initiative shows the broader AIC community how small contributions can collectively make a significant impact on the growth and success of the institution.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Athletic teams at AIC are also playing an important role in supporting the college and its local community. By holding fundraisers to help cover equipment costs, student-athletes demonstrate leadership and responsibility while learning essential skills in teamwork and financial planning. These fundraisers are not only beneficial for the athletic programs but also strengthen the bond between the college and the surrounding community. Families, friends, and alumni are often involved in these events, creating a sense of camaraderie and school spirit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Moreover, AIC’s athletes go beyond just supporting their own teams. They extend their involvement by assisting at local cultural events, such as shows at the local theater. Whether it’s helping with tickets, giving directions, or promoting the events, this involvement shows the students’ commitment to fostering a thriving, interconnected community. Their support of the local theater also highlights how student-athletes at AIC are invested in more than just their athletic endeavors—they are dedicated to strengthening the cultural fabric of the local area, offering their time and energy to ensure the success of local events.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
These initiatives showcase the strong relationship between AIC and the local community, where students, faculty, and staff are actively involved in making a positive impact. Whether through educational outreach, fundraising efforts, or supporting local cultural activities, AIC demonstrates how a college can play a key role in not just developing students academically but also contributing to the betterment of the surrounding area.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--DO NOT EDIT BELOW THIS LINE --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Schools]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:American International College]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{CatTree|American_International_College}}&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Vhefner</name></author>
		
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=Topic:Yz3jvuwfdwamnbma&amp;topic_postId=yz3jvuwfe08ovfki&amp;topic_revId=yz3jvuwfe08ovfki&amp;action=single-view</id>
		<title>Topic:Yz3jvuwfdwamnbma</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=Topic:Yz3jvuwfdwamnbma&amp;topic_postId=yz3jvuwfe08ovfki&amp;topic_revId=yz3jvuwfe08ovfki&amp;action=single-view"/>
		<updated>2025-09-16T23:25:31Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/wiki/User:Vhefner&quot; class=&quot;mw-redirect mw-userlink&quot; title=&quot;User:Vhefner&quot;&gt;&lt;bdi&gt;Vhefner&lt;/bdi&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;span class=&quot;mw-usertoollinks&quot;&gt;(&lt;a href=&quot;/index.php?title=User_talk:Vhefner&amp;amp;action=edit&amp;amp;redlink=1&quot; class=&quot;new mw-usertoollinks-talk&quot; title=&quot;User talk:Vhefner (page does not exist)&quot;&gt;talk&lt;/a&gt; | &lt;a href=&quot;/wiki/Special:Contributions/Vhefner&quot; class=&quot;mw-usertoollinks-contribs&quot; title=&quot;Special:Contributions/Vhefner&quot;&gt;contribs&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/span&gt; &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; class=&quot;external text&quot; href=&quot;https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=Topic:Yz3jvuwfdwamnbma&amp;amp;topic_showPostId=yz3jvuwfe08ovfki#flow-post-yz3jvuwfe08ovfki&quot;&gt;commented&lt;/a&gt; on &quot;Extreme by Design - Reflection&quot; (&lt;em&gt;Watching Extreme by Design, helped me come to the realization that human-centered design can be extremely powerful for real-world problem...&lt;/em&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Vhefner</name></author>
		
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=Fellow:Vivian_Hefner&amp;diff=142689</id>
		<title>Fellow:Vivian Hefner</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=Fellow:Vivian_Hefner&amp;diff=142689"/>
		<updated>2025-09-16T23:11:10Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Vhefner: Created Fellow Page - 2025&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;&amp;quot; &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[File:OOjs UI icon userAvatar.svg|300px]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&lt;br /&gt;
;Name: Vivian Hefner&lt;br /&gt;
;School (Cohort): Elon University (2025 cohort)&lt;br /&gt;
;Majoring in: Computer Science &amp;amp; Political Science&lt;br /&gt;
;Country: United States&lt;br /&gt;
;Email: [[Special:EmailUser/Vhefner]]&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Bio==&lt;br /&gt;
Hi, I am Vivian and I'm a Computer Science and Political Science double-major at Elon University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Achievements==&lt;br /&gt;
Finalist for Innovation challenge&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Social media profiles==&lt;br /&gt;
Vivian.hefner - instagram&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Elon University (2025 cohort)]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Student Contributors]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{CatTree|Elon University}}&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Vhefner</name></author>
		
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=User:Vhefner&amp;diff=142690</id>
		<title>User:Vhefner</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=User:Vhefner&amp;diff=142690"/>
		<updated>2025-09-16T23:11:10Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Vhefner: Redirect to Fellow Page&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;#REDIRECT [[Fellow:Vivian Hefner]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Vhefner</name></author>
		
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=File:ViviansProfilePhoto_1525.jpeg&amp;diff=142543</id>
		<title>File:ViviansProfilePhoto 1525.jpeg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://universityinnovation.org/index.php?title=File:ViviansProfilePhoto_1525.jpeg&amp;diff=142543"/>
		<updated>2025-09-09T00:34:32Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Vhefner: Vivian's profile photo&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;== Summary ==&lt;br /&gt;
Vivian's profile photo&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Vhefner</name></author>
		
	</entry>
</feed>