New Major Spotlight: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

By Meghan Winchell

People who start new companies must have the flexibility to play many roles. “As an entrepreneur, it’s easier to count the hats you don’t wear,” said Cory Scott (’12, MBA ’16). “I had to write code and act as my own HR, payroll, accounting, sales and marketing departments.”

It takes courage—and a dynamic education—to do that well. Nebraska Wesleyan’s new Phillip S. Mullin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program gives students the preparation they need to transform industries and launch effective startups. 

Rather than stay inside the bounds of a traditional business program, this new major is designed to be interdisciplinary. Students in any field of study may choose an innovation and entrepreneurship major. The adjustable program is built around five focus areas. 

• Business, marketing and sports
• Creative design and the arts
• Policy and justice
• Science and technology 
• Sustainability and the environment 

“These are students who’d like to own their own business, but they don’t know where to start,” said Phillip Mullin (’65), the lead donor behind the new program. “Students who have a passion for this kind of thing—they’ll get the follow through, the help and advice they need to learn how to talk to a banker, or go out and find a lawyer.” 

This innovation and entrepreneurship major is just the most recent example of NWU’s growing list of programs in high-demand fields—like public health, financial planning, digital marketing and data analytics. Encourage your student to explore the possibilities! 

Meghan Winchell is associate provost of integrative and experiential learning.