July 12-13, 2001

NOTICE OF INTENT   Authorization to Establish the Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management; Montana State University-Bozeman

 

THAT:  Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University-Bozeman to create the Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

EXPLANATION: In our business economy that is founded on individual initiative, the entrepreneur plays a crucial role in economic growth. Particularly in light of the dynamic scientific and technical advances generated at MSU-Bozeman, the fostering of entrepreneurship is crucial to the economic development of the region and the state. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management at Montana State University-Bozeman strives to create, encourage, and sustain this entrepreneurial spirit through research, classroom and continuing education initiatives, and other activities.

The training of entrepreneurs is uniquely consistent with the land grant mission of Montana State University-Bozeman. The Morrill Act established the land grant universities specifically "to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes on the several pursuits and professions in life."  Additionally, in light of the ascent of plant genetics and biotechnology as key drivers of regional and national economic growth, the combination of entrepreneurship with scientific and technical studies in agriculture, plant and soil sciences, and range and land management is consistent with the land grant mission of MSU "to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture." The scientific, agricultural, technical and financial constituencies in the Gallatin Valley are highly supportive of the establishment of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.