Entrepreneurship is often associated with startups and new ventures, but William & Mary Assistant Provost Graham Henshaw wants to dispel this misconception. At the Entrepreneurship Hub, the focus is on cultivating an entrepreneurial toolkit that can be applied to a wide range of endeavors, including student organizations, non-profits, internships, and dream jobs. The hub promotes entrepreneurial thinking, a specific set of skills and a mindset that successful entrepreneurs possess.
The hub’s primary focus is on developing skills such as opportunity discovery, failing wisely, improvisation, and collaboration. Additionally, it emphasizes a mindset that includes openness to risk, tolerance for ambiguity, grit, and self-direction. These skills and mindset are essential in today’s rapidly changing and competitive job market, where entrepreneurial thinking is increasingly valued by employers.
William & Mary has doubled down on the success of the hub by appointing Henshaw to a university-wide position as assistant provost for entrepreneurship. The goal is to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking across campus in three domains: curricular efforts, professional development, and careers. This aligns with the university’s Vision 2026 strategic plan, which aims to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The Entrepreneurship Hub, located in Tribe Square, offers a variety of resources and programs to help students, faculty, staff, and regional entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and turn their ideas into reality. The hub’s “Learn, Engage, Build” model provides mentorship, micro-courses, events, and longer programs like the Tribe Ventures Accelerator and Launchpad. The personalized attention and support offered by the hub contribute to William & Mary’s reputation for providing a unique and personal education experience.
The hub has attracted over 1,000 students from nearly 50 different majors since its inception in 2019. The mix of students engaging with entrepreneurial thinking has evolved over the years, with students from various disciplines tapping into the resources offered by the hub. This diversity reflects the university’s commitment to integrating entrepreneurship into all areas of study, rather than focusing solely on business students.
Alumni play a significant role at the hub, both as resources and consumers of its offerings. They provide real-world examples of entrepreneurial thinking in action and often collaborate with students on projects. The hub’s vision is for William & Mary to be recognized for its entrepreneurial thinkers, whether they are students, faculty, staff, or regional entrepreneurs. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, the hub aims to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world and make a positive impact on the university and beyond.
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