Plans for the construction of an entrepreneurial laboratory, located within Kent State’s College of Business Administration, will move forward as the result of a generous leadership gift from 1964 alumnus John S. Brinzo.

"This magnanimous gift will allow Kent State to retain its place ahead of the collegiate curve in teaching students and business people how to succeed in an innovation-driven economy," says Kent State President Lester A. Lefton. "New and novel businesses are critical to Ohio’s economic recovery and Kent State intends to play an even greater role in nurturing the entrepreneurs who will bring them to life."

Established in 2006, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation supports academic and outreach programs that foster entrepreneurial activity and economic development in Northeast Ohio. As an integral part of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, the John S. Brinzo Entrepreneurial Lab for Applied Business Research will provide an area to house student-run businesses, a small student incubator and a resource library. Additionally, the gift will provide an endowment to help sustain the laboratory and support the overall program. 

"Because America is losing its competitive edge in manufacturing, and jobs are being exported to developing nations, entrepreneurship and innovation are more important today than ever before," says Brinzo, chairman of the Board of Directors at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America. "Thus, students need to learn such skills."

Brinzo served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of the company from July 2003 until April 2005, and as chairman and chief executive officer from January 2000 until his retirement as chief executive officer in September 2006. Currently, he also serves on the board of directors for AK Steel and the Brink’s Company.

"Practical, applied learning is a key part of any successful entrepreneurship program," says the center’s director Julie Messing. "Through the entrepreneurial lab, students will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working with entrepreneurs."

In addition to students, area business owners will benefit. Students will provide consulting services, such as creating business plans, marketing plans or feasibility studies, to assist the start-up and growth of local entrepreneurs.

"Entrepreneurship is one of the college’s signature programs, and it is the area that excites business executives the most," says Dr. George Stevens, dean of the College of Business Administration. "The financial support that comes from this leadership gift will bring us even closer to our goal of having one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the region."