By Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University students seeking to become entrepreneurs, business owners or leaders in their community now have a club tailored to give them a vibrant network of professionals, innovators, and changemakers – the E-Club.
The E-Club has been created in partnership with Awesome, Inc. and is part of the university’s broader Rural Advancement initiative, which aims to build thriving communities through holistic approaches.
“Through educational activities and leadership initiatives, we equip, encourage, and embolden one another to innovate, inspire, and ignite growth,” said Dr. Roger Huston, CU’s Assistant Vice President for Strategic Relations and Rural Advancement and faculty leader of the E-Club.
CU’s Rural Advancement initiative will offer continuing education programs and professional development services through its focus on community, economic development, advocacy and outreach. Rural Advancement will also host workshops focused on small business development, nonprofit management and rural economic development.
The goal of the E-Club is to help train and connect students to resources to assist with areas such as strategic planning, business planning and feasibility studies.
The E-Club will host a Fall Pitch Competition presented by Abound Credit Union on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The event will give students an opportunity to present a professional business plan for a chance to win funding to launch their ideas. Other sponsors for the Fall Pitch Competition include Squires and Lee, One Cross Health and Branscum Construction.
CU’s Rural Advancement, in partnership with Abound Credit Union, recently hosted a Financial Literacy Lunch and Learn session, which highlighted networking opportunities, refreshments, financial wellness education and financial literacy.
The E-Club is also planning a Start-Up & Small Business Workshop for a later date. As part of the workshop, participants will learn the essentials of launching and growing a business, with hands-on guidance from experienced professionals.
Jacob Hayes, a recent CU graduate and the E-Club’s student leader, shared there is a place for everyone in the E-Club – for students studying pre-med, pre-law, music, health sciences or anything in between.
“Bring your passion for whatever it is that you’re studying for, and then from there, with Rural Advancement and with E-Club, we can then cultivate and provide resources for enterprise, entrepreneurship and engagement.”
Community members are encouraged to get involved in the E-Club by mentoring students, speaking at events, partnering with emerging student leaders or sponsoring learning opportunities. Those interested in getting involved can contact Huston at rjhuston@campbellsvill.edu or (270) 789-5222.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Photo: Dr. Roger Huston, CU’s Assistant Vice President for Strategic Relations and Rural Advancement and faculty leader of the E-Club, said the purpose of the E-Club is to help train and connect students to resources to assist with areas such as strategic planning, business planning and feasibility studies.
(Gerard Flanagan, Lead Writer and Communications Specialist – Office of Marketing and Communications)