Spears School welcomes new living and learning community

Friday, April 24, 2009

By Jill Banzet, Spears School communications intern

(April 24, 2009   Stillwater, OK) – The Spears School of Business is proud to announce the opening of a new living and learning community in the Oklahoma State University campus residence halls. The Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Learning Community will open its doors to incoming freshman for the Fall 2009 semester.
 
Housed in Booker Hall, the CIE community will house approximately 160 students in a co-ed environment. It is designed for students who want to share and expand their creative abilities and entrepreneurial ideas with others.
 
“We want to create an environment where students can live, eat and sleep creativity and entrepreneurship. It will be a combination of learning, active engagement and fun,” said Michael Morris, the N. Malone Mitchell Chair in Entrepreneurship and head of OSU’s new Department of Entrepreneurship.
 
The living community is focused on encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship among its members through hands-on participation, leadership, involvement and partnership in the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, the Department of Entrepreneurship and the Spears School of Business.
 
Co-directors Morris and Jeretta Horn Nord, professor of management science and information systems, want to provide the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in creative and entrepreneurial activities that will channel their potential in to all facets of their lives and the OSU community.
 
Through mentoring sessions, lectures, community projects, social events, an interactive idea lab and special courses designed to enhance creativity, students will build a foundation of knowledge that will help guide them in real-world challenges and develop their entrepreneurial/business potential.
 
“Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where students discover their creativity and have the opportunity to convert their knowledge and ideas into products, processes, or services through entrepreneurship,” said Horn Nord. “We are excited to have the challenge of inspiring and educating the CIE Learning Community students with high energy programs and events.  
 
“Students in this type of environment develop leadership skills and often find their passion by interacting with professionals and students who have similar mindsets.  An understanding of the key success factors for entrepreneurs is empowering to individuals in all disciplines and being a part of this community is a great opportunity for our incoming students.”
 
Students interested in the learning community should submit the Housing Application to the Office of Residential Life and specify their interest in the Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Learning Community. An essay regarding the individual’s creative interests should accompany the application.
 
For more information about the living and learning community, contact 405-744-5357 or visit http://entrepreneurship.okstate.edu/.