“The major is primarily designed for non-business students,” said Dr. Jeffrey Stinson, Dean of the College of Business. “The pro - gram is unique in that it requires students to start a business. This is not a traditional academic program, it is a program where stu - dents will do what they are learning.” All CWU students are welcome to enroll in the major, which, Provaznik says, is one of program’s biggest successes. “We’ve been able to make entrepreneurship an opportunity for ev - ery student at CWU,” Provaznik says. “Most of our students don’t come from high asset backgrounds, so our model of entrepreneur - ship works with that. If you have an idea, there are a lot of inves - tors looking to fund good ideas. Being able to match everybody’s needs and abilities together is how we create in our community.” The sense of community is real, noted Williams, recalling her ex - perience in a marketing class with professor Rob Ogburn. “He asked everyone what their goal was at the beginning of the quarter,” Williams said. “I told him I wanted to open and manage my own gym. Throughout the whole quarter he referenced ev - ery student’s hopes and dreams. I don’t think I’ve ever really had professors that have paid that much attention and wanted to see their students succeed in the way that he does.” Fassett had similar experiences with her professors. “They’re not afraid to try new things and inspire you to do the same,” she said. “They’re flexible to every person’s idea and give everyone the chance to really explore what that means.” In fact, sometimes the most difficult part of the program is convey - ing their drive to people outside of it. “I think the biggest struggle I’ve had in the program has been outside of it, which is kind of funny,” Fassett said. “I know the work that I’ve been doing, and I know the support that I have here, and I know the resources I’ve been connected to, and I can see the way they all come together,” Fassett said. “The hardest part is trying to explain that to other people, to family and friends or people who want to know more. Sometimes you get met with a lot of doubt in this field, but every entrepreneur I’ve met has said they’ve been through the same thing. I’ve seen very successful people come out of this program so I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to do the same.” The program aims to continue empowering students and commu- nities by growing and launching locally owned businesses. The program is working with high schools across Central Washington to synchronize their STEM and career programs with CWU. High school students are invited to entrepreneurship workshops called Many Faces of Entrepreneurship (MFE) to help them learn about how to develop a product that people want and present it to a simulated board of investors interested in their product. Developing relevant products is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs today. Fitzpatrick, in his position with the I4IE, works to help students cultivate their business ideas and help existing entrepreneurs. He helps run the Many Faces of Entrepreneurship events, which aim to get high schools interested in entrepreneurship early. “Entrepreneurship is for everybody, no matter what your passion is,” Fassett said. “It will help prepare and move you forward in your professional career in whatever direction that you want to go.”
“I think Iʼm going to have friends for life from this.” SHANE FITZPATRICK
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