2024-25 Entrepreneurial Leadership Annual Report by Waynesburg University

Entrepreneurial Leadership Annual Report

Year at a Glance

Starting in

Entrepreneurial Leadership Program

Create a culture of proactive, innovative, and ethical problem solving which will provide Waynesburg University students with the skills, abilities, experiences, and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Our Vision

Venturing

Innovative Problem-Solving

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Co-curricular innovation & entrepreneurial hub, open to all students regardless of major Events & Competitions

Startup Coaching for Business & Non-Profits

Scholar’s Program

MAKERSPACE

Learning Lab for Prototyping & Innovation

Micro-Production Services

3-D printers, laser engraver, vinyl, apparel printing, & more!

Three

Experiential Learning Labs

THE NEST

Retail Learning Lab for experiential learning

Official apparel spirit store Student operated & managed

MAJOR & MINOR

Study Through Hands-On Learning: Entrepreneurship

Major or Entrepreneurial Leadership Minor, housed in the Department of Business Administration

FACULTY FELLOWS

Trained in the entrepreneurial mindset, faculty fellows infuse innovative principles across campus

PROJECT GROW

Learning Lab for ServiceLearning & Redemptive Entrepreneurship

Empowering a remote village with international economic development

Interdisciplinary Hands-On Service Learning Opportunities

While Project GROW is focused on fostering entrepreneurship and economic development, this village empowerment project is rooted in holistic ministry - seeking to address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. From Bible lessons during jewelry trainings to cooking lessons and cacao tours, Project GROW seeks learning and development both in our partner community and in our student trip participants. While a significant portion of our service work is dedicated to business training, our student service trip is interdisciplinary and filled with students of various majors. Some of the students who have visited our partner community over the past two years have majored in: Entrepreneurship, Education, Biblical Ministry Studies, English Professional Writing, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Public Relations, and more

Our partner community is filled with leaders who are leading the change in their community to create a better future for their children and grandchildren They are coming together in prayer and hope is stirring in this place - Fiat Lux

“ThefirsttimeIwasinourpartnercommunityasa WaynesburgUniversitystudentin2014,IfeltGodcalling metothisplacethousandsofmilesfromhome.Iwas completingaresearchprojectintoChristianCommunity Development Thetripignitedmypassionforsocial entrepreneurshipasatoolforsocialchangeand communityempowerment.In2018&2019,Ireturnedto thecommunityindependentlyandthewomen’sgroup askedmetobethespokespersonfortheircommunity. ThisisacommitmentIcontinuetostandbytothisday.

SincethepartnershipwiththeeHIVEhasbeen established,IhavebeenhumbledbywhatGodisdoing Now,wehaveacommunityofchangemakersat WaynesburgUniversitythatarejustaspassionate aboutthiscommunityasIam Thereisanexcitement buzzingoncampusandinourpartnercommunitythat isChrist-centeredasweallworktogetheracross countries,cultures,andlanguagestolove,hope,and trustinGod’splan.”-CassyDorsch

A Note from eHIVE Director: Cassy Dorsch

Trip Highlights

Leadership, and Meeting God in Missions

Project GROW partnered with:

A local elementary school & ministered through Bible stories, sports activities, and an innovation challenge Association of Women for a Better Future Led jewelry & soap workshops, continuing soap business startup idea from 2024 trip

Funded Startup Loan Fund

Fenced in new property area

Joining us on the trip was Rev. Dr. Mike Haddox, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg, PA

Following the trip, this service project continued in the classroom in Creativity & Innovation. For details, visit page 18 of this report.

Student Reflections:

“It has been amazing to see the ways that God has used people from Waynesburg University and the Dominican Republic for His glory. The Lord has been at work through the lives of Waynesburg University students and staff, allowing them to use their unique and individual gifts for the betterment of the Kingdom of God.”Tyler Mohrbacher, MBA Project Management & BA in Biblical and Ministry Studies

“After a week in the Dominican Republic, I was amazed at the number of seeds that had been planted and were growing beautifully through our service activities.” - Natalie Double, Major: English Professional Writing

“My experience in the Dominican Republic was truly life changing Project Grow has helped me implement what I have been learning in my classes here at Waynesburg to help the women in the DR Being an entrepreneurship major, I had the opportunity to teach the women in the village a new, more effective way of thinking to be able to improve their life and create successful businesses” - Nicky Veychek, Major: Entrepreneurship

eHIVE Events & Program Highlights

Thisyear,ourco-curricularprogrammingcontinuedtoprovideexperiencesinthe entrepreneurialmindset,innovativeproblem-solving,andventuring.Studentsofanymajoror minorwereabletoparticipateinthesecampus-wideevents.

Fall2025

FreshmanOrientation,WUExperienceFair&1 FloorBlockParty-Duringfreshman orientation,studentsparticipatedinarapidinnovationchallengeusingnewspaperasa challengeitem.Winners-1 Place&$300:AllysonChapman,RachaelSmith,KylieWatt,O’ria Beech.2 Place&$200:JacobLeszczynski,BrentFrauens,RockyBobak.3 Place,Fan.Fav.& $400:MadisonBidniuk,AddisonBlair,IsaiahFields,JoshuaJefferson.Studentswereabletoprint theirownshirtsduringthefreshmenWUExperienceFairandduringthe1 FloorBlockParty, studentscouldlearnhowtheeHIVE(andothercampusoffices)fulfilltheuniversitymissionof Faith,Service,andLearning

Make&Take InpartnershipwithStudentActivitiesBoard,studentswereabletovisittheeHIVE rauniqueproduct,including:customwater shirts

aynesburgUniversitystudentsandalumni,this nashirtthatreflected175YearsofLight.Hailey ithaBiomedicalResearchMinor,wonthis theNest Shealsoreceiveda$200cashaward

PumpkinDrop-Duringthisannualcompetition,studentspackagetheirpumpkinsoitdoesn’t breakwhenitisdroppedoffthethirdstorybalconyontheStoverCampusCenter.Thisyear,six teamssuccessfullyprotectedtheirpumpkinandoneteamwonthemostcreativeprize,totaling $700incashprizes.

WaynesburgUniversityHolidayVillage-Studentbusinesses,universityclubs,anduniversity faculty/staffgatheredforthisexcitingChristmasartisanmarketduringthePittsburghSymphony concertonDecember3.

Duringthisrapidchallenge,studentswere challengedwithcreatingsomethingofvalueoutofducttape.Studentshadtoideate,prototype, andpitchtheirsolutionin3hoursorless.Winners-1

Place,Fan.Fav.&$700:ToriWesolowski, KalistaFriday,Clara-PaigeMiller,MadisonPlatt(TheBurg’Bot),2 Place&$300:DavidBrown, RichardChristeleit,VirgilDoiron(TheGreenhouse)and3

Place&$200:BrynHannah,EmilyLipke, RachelKatekovich(TheDeskOrganizer) Women’sBasketballandEcostewardsalsowonfundsfor sponsoringwinningteams.

IdeaPitchCompetition-Inthisnewcompetition,studentspitchedstartupideasforbusinessesor non-profitsin60-90seconds Winners-1 Place&$400:EmilyAdams&KristinaProksch(WU Reduce),2 Place&$300:DawdaSylva(PlusJeuf),3 Place&$200:EmilyLipke(LipkeDigital) SpecialjudgeswhoattendedwereBenMcMillen(Owner-HilltopPacks,RGBCoffee&McMillen Photography),BethanyTanner(Owner-Embroid’em),andLizMenhart(FirstFederalSavings& Loan).

StoverWritingCompetition-Inthisannualcompetition,studentstellthestoryofaChristian innovatorintheirfield.Winners:1 Place&$500:RaiAcor(AllYouKneadisLove),2 Place&$400: RossOwens.Jr(TheologyinaDigitalAge)&3 Place&$300:BrianScott-Hill(TheMandelaEffect) st nd rd

SpringMarketplace-Studentbusinesses,organizations,andvariousgroupsfromseveral entrepreneurialclassessetupthisspringmarketplacetoselltheircustom-madeproducts.

YearlyHighlights-ExcitingdevelopmentswerealsomadeattheNest,asourteamworkedto professionalizeanddeepenthestudentexperienceforourstudentworkersandcurricular engagements.Studentworkerstookmoreleadershipofprojectsandthestore.Forexample, theNestpop-upsbecameentirelystudentmanaged.Fromfootballgamestoconcerts,Nest productswereofferedoutsideofthetraditionalstoretofurtherserveourcampuscommunity WealsolaunchedapilotProductInnovation valuableproductdevelopmentskills.Ourweb progresswasmadeonourwebsite’sdropshi bepurchasedbycustomers,custom-made,a Studentandfacultydesignersalsomadeuniq our175 YearofLightHomecomingCelebrat th

“I have learned so much in my time at the Nest, from cash handling to customer service to the basics of running a business and all that falls in between.

Over the past two years, I feel that I have gained invaluable experience that is transferable into my current life as well as my future and professional career path. I am so grateful to the eHIVE and Nest for all the experience and learning opportunities that I have had.” - Morgan Bedilion, Major: Public Relations

Nest Product Innovation Fellowship

“I believe that the fellowship was an excellent opportunity for both professional growth and practical collaborative skills I really enjoyed being a part of the team because it allowed me to truly contribute to the Nest's production and inner workings. ” - Zach Reed, Major: Finance Thisyear,fourstudentsjoinedourinaugural ProductInnovationFellowship,ledbytheNest &eHIVETeams.Studentsinthecohortwere: MorganBedilion,ZachReed,DawdaSylva,and ShenleaTerry Overthespanof11weeks,these studentsdidadeepdiveofprocurement, productdevelopment,productlaunch,and helpedcreate,design,andlaunchnew productsfortheNest.Thisreal-worldlearning opportunityallowedstudentstogainnewskills thattheycanutilizeinanexistingorganization oraspreparationtostarttheirownapparel startups.

nderson

During her time as a graduate assistant, Karlee served in the Nest Learning Lab and also assisted the eHIVE during a pivotal time of growth. In the Nest, she was integral to the operational management of the store, designed and launched the Nest’s Shopify website and was key in developing new products. Her eye for design allowed the Makerspace to offer high-quality custom-made apparel. We asked Karlee to reflect on her time at the Nest:

“I enjoyed working directly with students and helping their ideas come to life. Being part of the process and watching a concept grow into something real was one of the highlights of my time at the Nest. I loved seeing students grow in confidence, refine their ideas, and take steps toward their goals in an environment where creativity is encouraged

The hands-on experience I had allowed me to develop skills that will help me achieve future goals From working events like Homecoming weekend to wrapping up the year with Commencement, I have gained experience in collaboration, communication, planning, and more. These experiences have shaped me into a confident leader, ready to adapt and thrive in whatever challenges lie ahead.” - Karlee Anderson, MBA Applied Business

Makerspace Learning Lab

YearlyHighlights-Thisyear,ourteamworked tooperationalizeandprofessionalizethe Makerspace’smicro-industry.Adam Huckestein,anMBAgraduateassistant,began managingthemicro-industryinAugust2024 andworkedwithvariousdepartments,clubs, andcommunitymemberstocreate customizedorders.Thestudentteamcrafted customapparel,tumblers,stickers,banners, andmore,gainingvaluablehands-on productionandbusinessexperience During thispastyear,theMakerspacetransitionedto oneoftheNest’smainproductsuppliers.

StudentsinProfessorHeisey’sMakerStudio classalsocreatedcustomwoodenproducts includingcustomstools,keychains,artwork andmore Theysoldtheircreationsduringthe springmarketplace,gainingreal-world productionandbusinessexperience

Spotlight on our Micro-Industry

175 Years of Light - The Nest’s 175th Years of Light Throwback Collection that launched during Homecoming 2024 was exclusively made on campus in the Makerspace A special thank you to Megan Morris, Graphic Designer in University Relations, for her design of these throwback designs, many of which were recreated using photos from the Waynesburg University Museum and Athletic Historical Collection.

Looking for a custom order?

“At the eHIVE Makerspace, we specialize in bringing your ideas to life with a wide range of custom services. Whether you’re looking for personalized clothing like t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, shorts, and more, or engraved items such as cups and keychains, we’ve got you covered. We also offer custom printing for posters, flyers, and banners, as well as 3-D printing and other unique projects. Whatever you have in mind, our team is here to help you create something one-of-akind” - Adam Huckestein, MBA Project Management

Course Spotlight

Creativity & Innovation - Spring 2025

ConnectingProjectGROWandCreativity&Innovation -StudentsintheSpring2025section ofCreativity&Innovation(arequiredbusinesscourseforallfreshmanstudents)were challengedtodevelopnewbusinessideasforaremotecommunityservedthroughProject GROWintheDominicanRepublic.Studentsdevelopedvariousinnovativebusinessideas including:bamboofurniture,beekeeping,waterfilters,communitycenter,candlemaking,and more Studentsgainedreal-worldexperienceinthedesignthinkingprocessandprototyping Theyalsoreliedontheirbusinesseducationtoprovideideasthatwillempowerandserveour communitypartnersintheDominicanRepublic.

Duringtheirfinalpresentations,studentspresentedtheirstartupideastoclassprofessors Dr MarieLeichliter-KrauseandProfessorAndrewHeisey,alongwithProjectGROWleader CassyDorsch

Inorganic Chemistry - Spring 2025

Lab Entrepreneurial Activities - Students engaged in hands-on projects that were structured around entrepreneurial and design-thinking principles These projects challenged students to create solutions to real-world chemistry problems Teams built functional instruments such as devices to separate mixtures or identify chemical bonds—and also designed an educational game to teach stoichiometry Each team presented their prototypes and games to peers, practicing both scientific communication and entrepreneurial pitching skills Notably, 846% of students reported feeling more confident in their ability to think creatively after completing these activities

“During an entrepreneurial lab challenge, we used our critical thinking skills, creative spark, and our knowledge of chemistry to create a hypothetical instrument that could improve lab work. My lab partner and I both thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and thought it was a good blend of the two often distinct thinking styles.” - Rocky Bobak, Major: Chemistry

Entrepreneurial Mindset at the American Chemical Society

Spring 2025 in San Diego, CA - This innovative approach to laboratory teaching was showcased at the American Chemical Society’s Spring National Meeting in San Diego by Dr. Evonne Baldauff, Chairperson for the Chemistry and Forensic Science and Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics Departments. In an oral presentation titled “Enhancing Laboratory Curriculum with Experiences to Promote an Entrepreneurial Mindset,” the project was shared with chemical professionals and educators from across the country. The talk highlighted the benefits of integrating entrepreneurial activities into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum as a way to foster creativity, teamwork, and deeper engagement in the laboratory. Waynesburg University students Kiana Bagnell, Hailey Crusenberry, Riley Ellis, and Marah Pegram also participated in a chemistry pitch competition at the conference.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholars

STUDENT COHORT

Reginald Branson (‘25)

Hudson Pincavitch (‘26)

Morgan Bedilion (‘27)

Dane Jones (‘27)

Nicole Veychek (‘27)

Kaylee Ayers (‘28)

Business Tours

Direct Results

Scholars received a behindthe-scenes tour from Pamela Marisa, Owner of Direct Results BSP, Inc During the tour, students were able to see various apparel production methods including screen-pressing and heat pressing Students also were able to create their own shirts and learn about the important work of Direct Results in the community.

Hilltop Packs & Hilltop Packs Coffee Company

Touring these two businesses with Ben McMillen (owner) allowed students to learn about the production of custom hiking bags and visit Greene County’s only coffee roastery. Students gained unique insights and advice from this successful serial entrepreneur

St dent Scholar Spotlights

Reggie Branson

GraduatinginMay2025,ReggieBranson majoredinEntrepreneurshipduringhistime atWaynesburgUniversity.Reggielefta lastingimpact throughhisserviceinthe DominicanRepublicwithProjectGROW, whereheledbusinessworkshopsand spearheadedat-shirtfundraiserHealso assistedinourPumpkinDropcompetitionin 2025andassistedwithotherevents,likethe eHIVE’sannualInnovationChallenge.Reggie wasalsoanactivepartoftheeHIVE’s ApprovedStudentprogramwithhisstartup Reggie’sCarDetailing.

“Ivaluedtheopportunitytobesurrounded byindividualswithasimilarmindset. Engagingwiththemthroughoutthe programchallengedmyperspectivesand strengthenedmyabilitytothinkcritically aboutentrepreneurshipIamalsograteful forthemeaningfulconnectionsand friendshipsIwasabletobuildalongtheway.

OneofthemostvaluableskillsIhave developedistheabilitytoinnovate.Ihave learnedhowtorecognizemistakes,adapt, andimproveuponthem.Nomatterthe situation,approachingchallengeswitha mindsetofcontinuousimprovementisa powerfulskill,andIamconfidentthatthis processwillsupportmeinachievingmy futuregoals.”-ReggieBranson,Major: Entrepreneurship

leather patch onto the hats. He also priced the product and prepared them to go to the Nestwhere they quickly sold out. Simba is majoring in Finance and minoring in Entrepreneurial Leadership.

“I am grateful for the valuable hands-on opportunities the E L program provides its scholars

The eHIVE does an excellent job at empowering and supporting students to pursue their ideas. It's crazy to think that the trucker hats I made in the eHIVE were so popular that they completely sold out in the Nest" - Simba Dube, Major: Finance

Redemptive Pittsburgh Ecosystem Fund

Fostering Faith-Based Entrepreneurship Spring2025

LabOverview-WaynesburgUniversity’seHIVEisproudtobeacatalystpartnerwithGroveCity CollegeinthecreationoftheRedemptivePittsburghEcosystemFundbeginninginSpring2025. Thispastspring,thefundsupportedthefirstPittsburghRedemptiveBusinessLabonMay21and 22 Duringthislab,designedbyPraxisandspearheadedbyGroveCityCollege,foundersand mentorsgatheredforthistwo-dayeventfocusedonredemptiveentrepreneurship FromacloseknitgatheringforfoundersattheBoggsMansioninPittsburgh,PA,toafulldayeventwith foundersandmentorsatRLALearningandConferenceCenter,conversations,businesspitches, andmealdiscussionsfocusedonhowtocontinueredemptionactioninthePittsburghregion.

Greene County Silveus Incubator

Fostering Community Entrepreneurship

Spring 2025 - This year the eHIVE was awarded a bid from the Greene County Commissioners to develop the strategic plan for their up-and-coming Greene County Business Incubator. Over the span of this nine month project, the eHIVE will develop a strategic plan that ensures long-term success of the incubator project in an effort to drive regional economic growth and development.

Stay tuned for exciting updates!

Approved Student Business Spotlight: Plus Jeuf

Founder Dawda Sylva began his business Plus Jeuf in The Gambia prior to coming to Waynesburg as a freshman in Spring 2025. Dawda didn’t waste any time getting to work growing his business on campus. In Spring 2024, Plus Jeuf became an Approved Student Business, allowing him to operate on campus. Through Plus Jeuf, Dawda aims to inspire the next generation of athletes and fitness enthusiasts by providing apparel that blends functionality with style so you can train, compete, and live with confidence. Plus Jeuf is one of the first custom active wears in The Gambia. Founder: Dawda Sylva, Class of 2028

“The eHIVE has been incredibly supportive and instrumental in helping Plus Jeuf get started. Their guidance, resources, and encouragement created a strong foundation for us to grow and move forward with confidence” - Dawda Sylva, Major: Business Management

Annual Goals

Review of 2024 - 2025 Year:

Ourobjectivesforourseventhyear(2024-2025)wereto:

eHIVE:Expandcoachingservices,growscholaropportunities,events andcompetitions-continuetogrowparticipationandqualityof events,launchStoverLoanSeedFund

Makerspace:Operationalize&professionalizemicro-industry,and expand accessacrosscampus(academicallyandnon-academically)

ProjectGROW:Establishasalearninglab

TheNest:Professionalizeanddeepenstudentexperience,launch cohortforproductdevelopment,offerdropshippingthroughonline store

Wearehappytoreportwemetmostofthesegoalsandhavemade progressonallotherinitiativesthatwillbelaunched2025-2026, including:expansionofcoachingservice,officiallaunchoftheStover LoanSeedFund,andtheNestofferingdropshippingthroughitsonline store.

Looking Forward to Year 8 (2025 - 2026)

In 2024 - 2025, all non-academic programs campus-wide underwent a new process and developed five year plans as part of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. As part of this process, each year, our program will evaluate different aspects of the Entrepreneurial Leadership program including: the eHIVE, the Nest, Makerspace, and Project GROW.

This year, the eHIVE program will be evaluated and has the following goals:

1. By May 2026, offer three targeted workshops to support student startups and engage 60 students in targeted workshops

2. By May 2026, evaluate the eHIVE’s ability to support student startup skills and knowledge, with 50% of program participants reporting an increase in their startup skills and knowledge