The entrepreneurial spirit has long been a cornerstone of the campus experience at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. For over two decades, the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship has been a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering classes, coaching, and assistance. One of the center’s most celebrated programs is the Entrepreneur Scholars (E-Scholars) program, which will welcome its 21st cohort this school year. This program provides a select group of students from various disciplines the opportunity to design and implement a world-class business venture.
In a recent development, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Boards of Trustees approved the creation of an entrepreneurship minor. This 20-credit minor will be open to all students and will be offered starting in the 2024-25 school year. This move reflects the institutions’ commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across disciplines and providing students with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the business world.
Paul Marsnik, a professor of entrepreneurship and global business, and the academic director of the Entrepreneur Scholars program, highlighted the unique nature of this entrepreneurship minor. He noted that while entrepreneurship minors are often housed in business schools, having one at a liberal arts institution like CSB/SJU is rare. Marsnik emphasized that the interdisciplinary exposure students receive at a liberal arts school is ideal for developing an entrepreneurial mindset, allowing them to draw ideas from multiple perspectives.
The structure of the entrepreneurship minor includes a combination of classes that focus on various aspects of entrepreneurship. Students will take two two-credit classes from the ENTR 101 sequence, which covers more than 20 topics. Additionally, they will complete 12 credits from classes such as Foundations in Entrepreneurship, Applied Entrepreneurship, and Entrepreneurship Practicum. The minor also includes four credits from an elective in another department that applies to entrepreneurship, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field.
Marsnik highlighted that the entrepreneurship minor will focus not only on the business components of entrepreneurship but also on idea generation, opportunity recognition, and creative problem-solving. This approach will set the minor apart by emphasizing a more holistic view of entrepreneurship and encouraging students to think innovatively.
Michael Tripicchio, a finance major and E-Scholar participant, believes that the entrepreneurship minor will be beneficial for students interested in starting their own ventures or applying their knowledge in new ways. Tripicchio, who manages T-Spot, a student-run venture specializing in custom apparel, sees the minor as an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience unlike anything else on campus.
In conclusion, the introduction of the entrepreneurship minor at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University reflects the institutions’ commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among students. By providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship education, the minor will equip students with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the ever-evolving business landscape.
