Contents
Overview
Building a Better World Since 1882
Virginia State University, founded in 1882, is one of Virginia's two land-grant institutions, and is located 20 minutes south of Richmond in the village of Ettrick.With a current student population of 5,300, the University sits atop a rolling landscape overlooking the Appomattox River with expansive views of Petersburg. Our 236-acre campus boasts 16 dormitories, 17 academic buildings and a 416-acre agriculture research facility.
Promoting Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Although, Virginia State University's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem is at it's developmental stage. The university offers opportunities for their students to gain an understanding of entrepreneurial aspects by gaining an acumen in the classroom and then applying what is learned.
According to Virginia State University's 2012 - 2014 Undergraduate Catalog, we offer the following undergraduate innovation or entrepreneurship courses / resources:
- Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLC): MGMT 444 – Entrepreneurship and Small Business Mgmt. (As an Elective)
This course is an in-depth analysis of the entrepreneur’s role in conceptualizing, developing and managing small business ventures. Key personality and leadership traits of the entrepreneur are examined within the framework of risk-taking and new venture start-ups. The course is also designed to expose students to the problems and opportunities inherent in establishing and managing a small business and the techniques employed in launching and sustaining a new venture.
Prerequisites: COBU 301 AND COBU 302
- Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLC): FINC 446 - Entrepreneurial Finance
This course examines small business start – up management with emphasis on financial decision-making for entrepreneurs, and the functions of investment banking institutions as they relate to small business capital acquisition and management. Also included are legal concerns and strategies for minority startup ventures. The case study method will be used.
Prerequisite: COBU 300 or equivalent
- College of Agriculture: AGEC 140 - Introduction to Agribusiness Entrepreneurship
This is an introductory course for all agricultural majors that will focus on the importance of business to the food and agricultural sector. The course will explore the mechanics of developing a business plan, applying the principles of marketing, management and finance.
- College of Agriculture: AGEC 340 - Agribusiness Entrepreneurship.
This course takes students through the process of owning businesses, since owning a business is the dream of many Americans. This course examines several cases to help individuals translate their business dreams into reality. While specific focus will be on agribusiness enterprises, a broad look at entrepreneurs in several industries will be adopted to give students a good picture of the entire business world and the opportunities and challenges entrepreneurs face. Using case study approach, businesses across several sectors (production, service, etc.) of the economy will be examined and analyzed to walk students through the business required to develop and present a business plan. The presentation will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The typical panel of judges includes loan officers, agribusiness analysts and entrepreneur/small business owners.
- College of Agriculture, Department of Family and Consumer Science: FACS 342 Occupational Family and Consumer Sciences
This course of study focuses on planning, implementing and evaluating Family and Consumer Sciences occupational education programs in chosen areas of occupational endorsement. In addition, this course explores leadership theory and practice in relation to theories and processes of innovation and change. It includes the opportunity to explore leadership techniques relevant to change management, entrepreneurship and innovation. You will be encouraged to use your own experience in leadership roles to inform discussion, enquiry, critical thinking and reflection.
Prerequisites: DIET 221 Principles of Food Preparations, DIET 310 Human Nutrition, FCCS 301 Child Development
- College of Engineering, Science and Technology: INLT 443 - Engineering and Technology Entrepreneurship.
This course covers concepts related to entrepreneurship relevant to engineering and technology applications. Major topics include entrepreneurial risk taking, startup strategies, innovative idea evaluation, business plan writing, financing and venture capital, managing growth and introducing and sustaining products and services. Through case studies and guest speakers, the course introduces students to the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and seize technological entrepreneurial opportunities.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance - Minor: Sport Management (18 semester hours):
This minor prepares students for careers as entrepreneurs, producers, advertisers, public relations specialists, fund developers, event managers, consultants, sales representatives, sports researchers, and corporate executives in the collegiate, amateur, and professional sports industries.
- Honors Program
The Honors Program is designed to meet the unique educational needs of Virginia State University’s academically talented and highly motivated undergraduate students. The primary goal of the Honors Program is to create and maintain a stimulating, supportive environment in which young scholars may engage in a wide range of challenging intellectual and creative pursuits. The program encourages the participation of all departments, fosters innovation and experimentation in undergraduate education, and supports University-wide cultural enrichment.
According to the Virginia State University's 2012 - 2014 Graduate Catalog, we offer the following innovation or entrepreneurship courses:
- College of Engineering, Science and Technology: CSED 504 – Innovations in Distance Learning
The students will explore the latest innovations in "E - learning" technologies and environments as well as theoretical issues central to e-learning. The course will address online learning environments including online learning communities, communication and sharing tools, content creation tools, and communities of practice. Students will design and implement e-learning modules as pertinent to their content area.
Randolph Farm- 416acre agriculture learning center
The centerpiece of the farm is the Cooperative Extension Pavilion, which houses faculty and staff offices and laboratories; it also contains meeting areas that are frequented by members of the agricultural community sharing learned research and educational information.In addition to producing the region's traditional row crops, the farm is utilized for research and education in areas of new and niche crops, alternative cropping methods, horticultural crops, nutrient management, water quality, animal production, and aquaculture production.
Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship
TBD..
Actively supporting the university technology transfer function.
Currently, Virginia State University does not have a technology transfer function that allows for commercialization. Virginia State University has established a research foundation with the hopes to taking over this functions.
Facilitating University-Industry Collaboration
The following links are research alliances, collaborations, and partnerships that Virginia State has established:
- Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA)
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Education Institutions (HBCU/MEI) Council
- Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Integration Center (VASCIC)
- Commonwealth Center For Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM)
- Virginia Logistics Research Center (VLRC)
- Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)
Virgnia State University Multipurpose Center.jpgEngaging with regional and local economic development efforts
