School:Furman University

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, many of Furman's student entrepreneurs wait until after they leave campus to pursue their big ideas. A year after graduating with a degree in Psychology, Furman alum Dan Widenbenner launched Mill Village Farms - a community farm that's growing food and creating jobs in Greenville's historic mill communities. Similarly, Furman alum Shane Sniteman enrolled in The Iron Yard Code Academy a year after graduating with a degree in economics. Students like Dan and Shane are both representative of the driven, ambitious and socially-minded students that Furman recruits. If motivated students are starting ventures upon graduating, what might happen if they had access to the tools, classes, networks and spaces to build capacity and start ventures while at Furman? 

During their time on campus, many students choose to pursue their passions by joining student organizations, leading community projects or participating in Greek Life.  These organizations introduce students to concepts related to entrepreneurship, technology and innovation by hosting various events, cultural life programs and 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 broader discussion about design, creativity and innovation and its role in shaping future of the liberal arts. From connecting students to a global coversation about the future of the city to hosting talks by creatives like Artisinal Pencil Pusher David Rees, FCC sparks curiosity among the student body - indirectly planting the seeds of entrepreneurship. In the years to come, FCC plans to host engaging events on storytelling, start-ups and brand-building - along with off the wall speakers and experimental events that remind students to approach life with a playful spirit. Check out this PDF for more insight into how the movement emerged and where it's headed.