Missouri State University will launch an Innovation Institute to give students across academic disciplines more opportunities to work with employers and community organizations – while helping those partners connect with university talent and expertise. 

The institute will coordinate and expand innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset across Missouri State, creating pathways for applied student projects, interdisciplinary coursework and faculty collaboration. For employers, nonprofits and public organizations, it will provide a central point of connection for work with the university on problem-solving and talent development. 

The institute builds on successful work already happening across Missouri State and the efactory. It is led by the divisions of academic affairs and community and global partnerships. Rachel Munday, assistant vice president for economic development, and Dr. Jason DeBode, department head of management, will co-direct the institute. 

“By bringing together students, faculty, businesses and community partners, the Innovation Institute will create more opportunities to learn, collaborate and make a difference on campus and beyond,” said Munday. 

Preparing students to put ideas into practice 

The institute will help students apply classroom learning to complex problems with real constraints, competing priorities and no predetermined answer. Through projects with employers and community partners, students will have opportunities to build skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and adaptability while exploring career pathways. 

Entrepreneurial thinking will be central to that work, with applications across disciplines and professions. 

“An entrepreneurial mindset is about seeing opportunities, asking better questions and finding ways to create value, which are skills every student can use, regardless of their major or career path,” DeBode said. 

Planned academic offerings include interdisciplinary courses and an entrepreneurial mindset minor. A faculty fellows program will support faculty in bringing innovation and experiential learning into classrooms across colleges.  

“We believe students are best served when they have opportunities to apply their knowledge through tangible experiences,” said Provost Dr. Clarenda Phillips. “The Innovation Institute embodies our commitment to preparing students who will thrive in their careers and make lasting, positive impacts in their communities.” 

Connecting campus and community  

The Innovation Institute will create a central point of connection for businesses and community organizations seeking to work with Missouri State. Partners will be able to engage students and faculty through applied projects, internships, workshops and other innovation-focused activities. 

First-year priorities include coordinating applied student projects; initiating interdisciplinary programming; establishing the faculty fellows program; and hosting workshops and speaker events affiliated with a new Innovation Scholars program for students.  

The initiative advances Missouri State’s public affairs mission by connecting education and expertise with opportunities to strengthen communities and the regional economy.