Publication Date
3-1-2022
Abstract
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Continuing to engage with community startups and businesses, the East Tennessee State University College of Business and Technology announced a sponsorship aimed at mentoring the next generation of innovation makers and entrepreneurs taking part in the University School Entrepreneurship Club.
The sponsorship, which began this spring, allows College of Business and Technology faculty and staff members the opportunity to showcase their unwavering commitment to coach and advise student innovators. In addition to the sponsorship of University School's Entrepreneurship Club, the college will also host a Summer Startup Bootcamp by teaming up with FoundersForge, a Johnson City non-profit.
University School Director, Dr. Brian Partin, said, “We collaborated with ETSU’s College of Business and Technology to develop the Entrepreneurship Club and expect it will serve as a catalyst for students to explore their startup ideas while adding another vital pipeline of experiences.”
Entrepreneurship Club students will have access to local business leaders and learn key skills and tips from ETSU faculty guest speakers about the entrepreneurship mindset, team dynamics, problem-solving and pitch practice. This program is a key component of the College's broader goal of proactively supporting the startup community within the Appalachian Highlands.
The College of Business and Technology continues to engage with businesses and industries across the region. In the past, the college has worked with non-profits, local government, entertainment and arts, cybersecurity, industrial manufacturing, commercial services, hospitality, agricultural equipment and chemicals.
Interim Dean of the College of Business and Technology, Dr. Tony Pittarese, said, “One of our college goals is to improve our engagement with and support for entrepreneurs. By collaborating with University School’s Entrepreneurship Club, we can support aspiring young entrepreneurs. We are fortunate to receive support for these efforts from a graduate of both University High and our college, Mr. A. Richard Wilson.”
Wilson has been instrumental in developing and scaling real estate developments across California, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas. He co-founded a venture capital firm with leading members of the Memphis business and banking community and was one of the initial investors in Federal Express. His roles have spanned organizational growth, project planning, regulatory remediation, operations and market development for real estate projects in excess of a billion dollars. Wilson is currently the president and CEO of Property Group, a real estate investment and development firm.
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About East Tennessee State University’s College of Business and Technology (CBAT):
The college serves over 2,800 students and consists of seven departments that offer a diverse range of academic programs. Within the college, you will find undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as: Accountancy, Computing, Digital Media, Economics and Finance , Engineering, Engineering Technology, Interior Architecture, Management and Marketing, and Surveying and Mapping.
About University School: University School achieved Reward School Status from the state of Tennessee in recognition for outstanding student success in achievement and growth. It is the top distinction a school can earn in Tennessee. The K-12 public school has also ranked among the top 10 in the state in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High Schools” listing. University School provides a rich college preparatory curriculum that promotes the continuous academic, social, and emotional growth of each child in grades K-12.
Document Type
News Article
