Priorities:South Plains College Student Priorities

Overview

Since the establishment of South Plains College (SPC) the focus of the university has been the betterment of the student. While many aspects of life has changed since 1957, the college's focus has not. Increasing the capacity of the individual to learn, produce, and be enlightened has always been the focus. To be the first community college in the history to participate in a program such as the University Innovation Fellows Program is something that they gladly welcome.

South Plains College has continued to grow adding satellite campuses including; Reese Technology Center, Bryon Martin Advanced Technology Center. Innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) are nothing new to the campus but have yet to have a catalyst to grow this culture of I&E. With it's roots firmly planted in the sense of community, South Plains College is centered on changing for the needs and opportunities of the community. Grants and contracts are available to students and faculty in order to pursue projects and research.

Calling ALL Students

This program is not focused toward a particular group of people, but is focused on people who willing and eager to come up with the "next big thing". In order to learn more about the opportunities at South Plains College to investigate and develop projects we are developing a space and group of likeminded people to surround yourself with. Programs and organizations to come. For more information contact:

Marshal Head - mhead4054@southplainscollege.edu

Dr. Ramesh (Krams) Krishnan - rkrishnan@southplainscollege.edu

Strategy #1: Planting the Seeds - Introducing "I&E @ SPC"

Tactic #1: Get the People Excited!

Getting the proverbial "ball" rolling will be the most difficult part of the process. Having access to the I&E market located only thirty miles East of Levelland in Lubbock gives the students a head start. Bringing three day startups such as 3DS to South Plains College will open students eyes to the potential of expanding their thinking.

Project Leader - Marshal Head

Projected Completion Date - Spring 2015

Tactic #2: Get the People Involved

Creating an organization were likeminded students can come and collaborate together will be vital to the establishing a culture of I&E at South Plains College. Being a two year(transfer) college presents a new challenge to the University Innovation Fellows Program due to the fact that the turnover rate is so high. Getting incoming freshmen involved within the first year will be the make or break challenge. Finding several students who will be willing to facilitate this change over a three to four year process.

Project Leader - Marshal Head

Projected Completion Date - Spring 2015

Tactic #3: Get the People Educated

Once these exceptional people have committed to this ideological revolution comes educating them. Taking an idea through the spin out stage, from concept to monetizing the product, is a difficult and often length project. Lining up resources and support is a vital aspect of success. Having the knowledge to accomplish this can create a spark that will solidify the future of "I&E @ SPC!

Project Leader - Marshal Head

Projected Completion Date - Spring 2016

Strategy #2: Water the Seeds - Establish Courses that Focus on I&E

Tactic #1: Work with Faculty and Administration

Identifying faculty and administration who will be willing to nudge the students along this process will be the second major hurdle. Developing courses with a focus on entrepreneurship will be a great way of exposing groups of between ten and twenty students of all majors to this alien idea. Creating this interdisciplinary network of support will increase the scope of the project of further developing the culture of I&E.

Project Leader - Marshal Head

Projected Completion Date - Spring 2015

Strategy #3: Nurture the Seeds

Tactic #1: Expand the Following

After the above mentioned steps, this machine that has been created needs to continually churn out people with this new mindset that has been repressed through traditional schooling. In turn, having people leaving with their minds expanded we will constantly need a fresh supply of new minds. Seeing their peers and students get excited, this will spark the next wave of students who want to be a part of this movement.

Project Leader - Future Fellow (YOU)

Projected Completion Date - Spring 2016

Tactic #2: Coordinate the Following

Once the population of the I&E community has expanded, the next step will be to give them direction to benefit South Plains College. Having access to resources such as; Roosevelt Institution Campus Network, VentureWell Student Grants, EPA's P3 Grants, 3 Day Startup, and many more will give individuals and groups a forum to express their ideas and products.

Project Leader - Future Fellow (YOU)

Projected Completion Date -