School:Western Michigan University

Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship

While the word Entrepreneurship has been tossed around Western Michigan University's campus for quite some time, it has only recently become a reality for WMU students. As of fall 2014, students can apply for either the Entrepreneurship major or Entrepreneurship minor. These programs feature classes from both the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS) and the Haworth College of Business (HCoB).

Within CEAS, students can enroll in the Bachelors of Science in Engineering program entitled Industrial & Entrepreneurial Engineering (IEE). IEE combines traditional industrial engineering methodologies while focusing on innovation and design thinking. Students graduate with the mindset of both an industrial engineer and an entrepreneur, giving them the knowledge and expertise to either open their own business or to lead to innovative discoveries within established companies.

Within the Haworth College of Business, Integrated Supply Management program features an array of courses highlighting the importance of innovation and design. As of fall 2014, the program was ranked #5 in the nation.

Additionally, the School of Music hosts an annual Entrepreneurial Extravaganza, a day-long workshop that combines resume writing, mock interviews, finance tips, marketing strategies, and networking.

Through classes, workshops, and collaborative projects, students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful in their music career.

The Entrepreneurship Club at WMU brings together entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and business executives in the spirit of group innovation to help adapt their skills to today's changing global economy. The purpose of the group is to bring together anyone who has a passion for entrepreneurship through networking and brainstorming with fellow students. 

• Meetings / Speakers: The club meets to discuss entrepreneurship matters and also bring in local entrepreneurs, to help them with ideas and how to achieve goals. Former club president Matt Rumora says that "We provide speakers, presentations, and events so our members can gain necessary entrepreneurial skills while networking, building startups, and having fun. We encourage students from all disciplines and backgrounds to participate."

Western Michigan University also added Starting Gate, a business accelerator, to its repertoire in the summer of 2013. The extracurricular 100-day program provides workshops, speakers, and resources for participants to help bring their business ideas to fruition. Many of these students also participate in the annual PITCH Competition that is hosted by the Haworth College of Business. As the name suggests, students compete for funding through 3-minute pitches for their business ideas. This competition is one of the most popular entrepreneurial-based extracurricular activities that is offered by the university.

Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship

WMU professors have been the driving force behind the greater emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship within the classroom. From designing the only ABET-Accredited Industrial & Entrepreneurial Engineering (IEE) program, to forming the newly classified Entrepreneurship major, they are dedicated to bringing I&E to university students.

Within IEE, the professors collaborate to bring a set of courses (Entrepreneurial Engineering I, II, & III) to guide students through the different stages of the product design and development cycle. Other focuses of the courses include the business canvas and the hypothetical layout of the manufacturing facility needed to build that product. Even within the Engineering Economics course, the professor assigns a case study regarding the initial costs of starting a new business.

This is the same within the Management Department, as professors seek out entrepreneurship projects for their students. These projects typically stem from the engineering college; the management students are to apply their business expertise to help expand these entrepreneurship efforts. Generally, the professors are also the first ones to encourage students to participate in competitions and workshops, such as the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition and the Michigan Collegiate Innovation Prize.

The main push for entrepreneurship within the Haworth College of Business has come from Dean Kay Palan. She created the Endowed Chairs for Entrepreneurship team, consisting of Dr. Robert Landeros (department chair) and three entrepreneurs in residence (John Mueller, Barclay Johnson, and Laurel Ofstein). All three come from an impressive background of entrepreneurship experience.

Similarly, the Endowed Chairs for Innovation are leading the push for innovation at the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Making up this group are Dr. Steve Butt (department chair), Dr. Tycho Fredericks, Dr. Bob White, and Dr. Azim Houshyar. 

University-Industry Collaboration 

Western Michigan has a unique advantage within the category of University-Industry Collaboration. The College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS) is located within the Business Technology and Research (BTR) Park, a Pure Michigan SmartZone and a high-tech business development with nearly 40 member companies. The park’s location means partner firms in the life sciences, advanced engineering, and information technology will have regular opportunities to interact with the faculty, research staff, and students of one of the nation’s top public universities.  Example companies within the park include Newell Rubbermaid, EPS Security, StructureTec, ThermoFisher Scientific, and Tekna Solutions; a full list can be found at http://wmich.edu/btr/companies.

Additionally, all disciplines within the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences must complete a Senior Design project as a requirement for graduation. The majority of these projects highlight local companies, bringing together the university students with industry professionals. In the past, projects have taken place at Stryker, Parker Hannifin, Eaton, Fabri-Kal, Denso, and many more. The most recent class of graduates contributed 152 projects and presentations to the university and surrounding industries. 

Regional and Local Economic Development Efforts

Starting Gate, WMU's business accelerator program, is the driving force behind merging WMU Entrepreneurship with regional and local economic development efforts. Students participate in workshops led by community leaders on topics ranging from marketing to patent law, and everything in between. The southwest Michigan Small Business Development Center, located within the Haworth College of Business, also provides small business assistance for companies within the program. Students are also encouraged to participate in and attend community events focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, such as Pitch Zoo, Startup Zoo, and Startup Grind.

The WMU chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) recently hosted the 2014 IIE Great Lakes Regional Conference, an event that brought together the top IE students from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The theme of the conference was IIE:  Where Visionaries Become Innovators. Keynote speakers came from a variety of industries and entrepreneurial backgrounds, each offering their own advice to the students. Students attended sessions from industry leaders, participated in design challenge activities, and networked with students and faculty from other universities. 

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Christopher Woodward