Roger Leenerts appointed as Director of Entrepreneurship by QU

Quincy University, a small Catholic university founded in 1860, has recently made an exciting announcement regarding the appointment of Roger Leenerts as the Director of Entrepreneurship. This new role will see Leenerts overseeing the operation of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a newly created initiative that aims to provide students with experiential learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Dr. Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Quincy University, expressed her enthusiasm for Leenerts’ appointment, stating, “We are excited that Roger has agreed to serve as our founding Director of Entrepreneurship. In this role, he will both continue to teach courses in the Oakley School of Business and bring his vast experience and creativity to larger audiences of students in majors across the University, both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Leenerts brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. His previous roles include serving as the Facilitator of the Adams County CEO program, Director of Manufacturing for Quincy Compressor, and President/Owner of H&B Quality Tooling and the Leenerts Group, LLC. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of Junior Achievement, Quincy Rotary Club, and the Quincy Business and Technology Center, among others.

In his new position, Leenerts is excited about the opportunity to grow and lead entrepreneurship activities at Quincy University. He believes that this initiative will provide students, faculty, alumni, and the local community with the resources and support needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses.

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will offer interdisciplinary programming, professional development opportunities, seminars, events, and courses for alumni and the local community. Leenerts’ initial priorities include assessing successful programs, meeting with QU stakeholders, and gaining a better understanding of available opportunities.

Tony Crane, a Quincy Business and Technology Center Board Member and former QU trustee, praised Leenerts’ appointment, stating, “Roger is the perfect person at the right time to lead entrepreneurship efforts at QU. His vast business experience will help mold future entrepreneurs that will positively impact our region for generations to come.”

Leenerts will be responsible for developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem on campus, in the community, and beyond. He will also play a key role in the development of student-led businesses, lead QU’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), and serve as a resource to faculty.

“Entrepreneurial thinking is for all majors, not just those focusing on a business degree,” Leenerts emphasized. “I really enjoy creating and building, and I look forward to that process with entrepreneurship at QU.”

Overall, Quincy University’s appointment of Roger Leenerts as the Director of Entrepreneurship signals a new era of innovation and opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, and the local community. With Leenerts’ leadership and expertise, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is poised to make a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape at Quincy University and beyond.