School:Furman University

Contents

Overview

In an age of constant change, the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics are touted as the engines that will drive our nation’s economy forward. Without a foundation in the humanities, this pursuit of innovation lacks depth and does little to foster meaningful progress. Proponents of STEM seek to change the conversation to STEAM – which integrates the liberal arts into the pursuit of innovation.

Indeed, the liberal arts education empowers students with the awareness and empathy to understand how technology is a tool for meeting human needs and solving complex problems in society. In the effort to bridge the gap between science, technology and the humanities, liberal arts universities like Furman play a critical role in the national conversation around innovation and progress, by equipping students with the tools and skillsets needed to create solutions that are meaningful and engaging.

Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Rather than finding its home in a particular dicipline, emergent entrepreneurs and innovators are scattered throughout Furman's academic departments. From Poverty Studies to Sustainability Science, Furman's student entrepreneurs apply what they're learning on through events and fundraisers, often waiting until after they graduate to launch a company, start a non-profit or join a start-up.




Whether by necessity or by choice, Furman's student entrepreneurs wait to go after their big ideas until after they leave campus. A year after graduating, Furman alum Dan Widenbenner launched Mill Village Farms - a community farm that's growing food and creating jobs in Greenville's historic mill communities. On a similar front, Furman alum Shane Sniteman enrolled in The Iron Yard code academy after graduating with a degree in economics. 

During their time on campus, many of these students pursue their passions by starting student organizations, leading community projects or participating in Greek Life. These organizations introduce students to concepts related to entrepreneurship, technology and innovation through hosting events, cultural life programs or traveling to conferences. 

The Furman Creative Collaborative (FCC) is a student-led movement of creativity and innovation that was started by three freshmen in 2012. What began as a critique of student media organizations on campus evolved into a campus-wide discussion about creativity and innovation and its role the future of the liberal arts. Check out this PDF for more insight into how the movement emerged and where it's headed.