New entrepreneur program is combined effort
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new business-education partnership in Emporia will bring academic opportunity to students of both Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College. Dream It — Design It — Develop It, known as the 3D Event, is a new venture idea competition that is open to students from Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College. The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Emporia State University School of Business for the event, which will also allow the winning Emporia teams to compete against teams from Kansas State University. “The School of Business is pleased to partner with so many different individuals and several organizations within the Emporia community to bring
an event to our students that promotes entrepreneurial spirit and academic excellence,” said Dr. Kristie Ogilvie, dean of the ESU School of Business. “Having the opportunity to offer the 3D competition to students from all disciplines from both ESU and Flint Hills Technical College will bring a healthy dynamic to the event.” The framework for the 3D event begins with participants, either individuals or teams up to three members, submitting a business plan that pitches a “big idea” to a panel of judges and qualifying for the next round in the competition. During the semifinal round, students will have three weeks to redefine their big ideas through faculty mentoring and workshops led by entrepreneurs in the community.
The semifinalists then have 15 minutes to pitch their final business plans to a panel of judges and go through a series of questions and answers. The top three teams will pitch their ideas during a gala event April 11, 2014, at Emporia State University. Ultimately, the 3D competition focuses on teaching students what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Not only does this event give students insight to what it takes to start their own business, it also gives them the chance to turn their dream into a reality. Added Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, ESU president: “The entrepreneurial spirit and creating big ideas has always been part of the 150-year partnership between Emporia State and the city of Emporia.”
Dual credit accounting program links Kansas high schools and Emporia State University
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mporia State University is now the second Regents university in the state to integrate the Accounting Pilot and Bridge Program into its curriculum. This program, developed by Kansas State University, is designed to encourage high school students to consider a degree in accounting and shed light on potential careers.
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typically available and for participating students to earn college credit,” Durler said. “This is a significant step in encouraging some of the best high school students to consider one of the most respected professions in business for their future career.”
students. We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Dr. Kristie Ogilvie, dean. “The bridge project allows students to get a head start on earning college credits while still in high school and encourages them to learn about a career path with many successful possibilities.”
Dr. George Durler, professor of accounting at the School of Business, was instrumental in bringing the opportunity to Emporia State.
This program not only allows future students to explore the field of accounting before entering college, but also gives them the opportunity to receive three hours of college credit at essentially no charge.
“This project provides the means for high schools to offer a meaningful course beyond the accounting mechanics course
“Our faculty at the School of Business are continually finding ways to open more doors for both our current and potential
“This dual credit program offers a great opportunity for high school students to get a head start on college-level accounting study,” said Dr. David Cordle, ESU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “In addition to the benefits to the students themselves, the program has real potential for positive impact on our state and its workforce.”
Volume 43, Number 2
www.emporia.edu/spotlight