Columbia College Receives $5 million Gift for Creation of The McNair Center for Entrepreneurism
July 29, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia College announces a new McNair Center for Entrepreneurism in recognition of a $5 million endowed gift by The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation.
The McNair Center for Entrepreneurism at Columbia College will serve Columbia College students in both the Women’s College and in its co-educational Professional Studies programs, in addition to connecting with regional innovation communities. The new Center, which will operate within the College’s Institute for Leadership and Professional Excellence, will include a McNair Fellows program for students with customized coursework and apprenticeships, a micro seed fund for students and alumni entrepreneurs, a mentor network working in partnership with the South Carolina Women’s Entrepreneurship Network, and an advisory cabinet to direct connections in the entrepreneurial community.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation for this opportunity to develop a new generation of leaders who value and embrace entrepreneurial principles and understand a market economy and the importance of free enterprise,” said Dr. Christine LaCola, executive director of the Institute for Leadership and Professional Excellence at Columbia College. “Because of this initiative, we will be able to engender small business generation, economic growth and sustainability.”
The McNair Center for Entrepreneurism at Columbia College is part of The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation’s goal to inspire in students an understanding of and passion for entrepreneurial business, job creation and sustained economic growth through the establishment of entrepreneurism centers at institutions of higher education across the country. Centers are currently being formed in Columbia, South Carolina, Houston, Texas and Midland, Michigan. More Centers are envisioned for the future.
“Bob and I are committed to advancing the spirit of entrepreneurism in the next generation of leaders,” said Janice McNair, Columbia College alumna and co-founder of The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to add to what Columbia College is already doing to prepare lifelong learners who can excel in an ever-changing economy.”
With a strong commitment to education, the McNairs have been loyal supporters of Columbia College for many years, funding the establishment of the McNair Scholars program, the renovation of McNair Hall and the creation of the Barbara Bush Center for Science and Technology.
About Columbia College
Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a best value institution and ranked among the best regional universities in the south, Columbia College is a dynamic learning and living community, where students, faculty and staff work together to build leaders our communities need most. Founded 161 years ago by the United Methodist Church as a women’s, liberal arts college, Columbia College also offers evening, graduate and online programs serving both women and men. Columbia College is known for its emphasis on leadership and service and is home to a nationally renowned honors program led by the 2010-2011 United States Professor of the Year. Learn more at columbiasc.edu or connect with @columbiakoala.
