The goals of the Entrepreneur and Innovation Program and this proposal are directly consistent with the University of Nebraska Strategic Frameworks goals 3a and d and 5a,c, d, and e and with the UNK strategic plan goals of Scholarship (objective 1, 2, and 4) and Outreach and Engagement (objectives 1 and 2).
The goals of the Entrepreneur and Innovation Program and this proposal are tightly linked with the University of Nebraska Strategic Frameworks goals 3 a and d, and 5a,c, d and e. The goals are the following: 1) to “play a critical role in building a talented, competitive workforce and knowledge-based economy in Nebraska in partnership with the state, private sector and other education institutions”, by a) working “to stem and reverse the out-migration of graduates and knowledge workers”, and by b) “improving entrepreneurship education, training, and outreach”, and 2) to “serve the entire state through strategic and effective engagement and coordination with citizens, business, agriculture, and other education institutions, and rural and urban communities and regions” by a) “supporting economic growth, health and quality of life through policy initiatives consistent with university mission”, by b) “connecting Nebraska cities institutions, regions and communities through university programs”, by c) “supporting Nebraska’s economic development”, and by d) “building local, regional, and national and international partnership across public and private sectors”.
In UNK’s Phase I Strategic Plan (2006), under the heading of Mission Imperatives for an public university, the following two bulleted items address the heightened entrepreneurial initiatives: 1) It must deploy research, service, and outreach activities that apply university expertise to public needs not only with but also where appropriate, outside of the state, and 2) its curriculum , pedagogy, and activities must be informed by a the larger community of which the state and nation are a part. Under the heading of undergraduate institution, the following four bulleted items are addressed within this proposal: 1) a commitment to student learning, evidenced by an emphasis on exemplary teaching by fully-credentialed and active scholars and plentiful opportunities for students to engage in research with their professor., 2) high quality academic programs that attract top students …, 3) A lively and intentional “informal curriculum” featuring activities and organizations designed to enable student to pursue special interest, to develop a sense of responsibility to lead and to serve, and to acquire skills enhancing interpersonal effectiveness.
In UNK’s Phase I Strategic Plan (2006), the strategic plan goals of Scholarship (objective 1, 2, and 4) and Outreach and Engagement (objectives 1 and 2) are addressed by this proposal. Hiring an expert in entrepreneurship scholarship and practical application will “advance academic disciplines, curriculum and pedagogy, and Nebraska/community interest through excellent scholarship” by 1) “strengthening the role of scholarship within UNK’s academic culture”, 2) by “increasing the amount and variety of high quality scholarship projects undertaken by UNK faculty”, and by 3) “promoting and encouraging undergraduate and graduate student research and creative activity”. This project will also “help people, businesses, communities, and the state achieve their educational and developmental aims” by 1) “collaborating with public and private sector partners to create and mobilize coordinated programs that spur business development and economic opportunity and enhance citizens’ and communities’ health and quality of life”, and by “developing academic programs that respond to workforce educational needs, employment opportunities for graduates and rural community development needs”.