N.C. University to Debut Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub

Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C., recently announced that it will open a new Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub aimed at connecting learning communities with businesses to reimagine and invigorate the workforce. The facility is the first of its kind in the region and is supported by investments from both the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

Housed in a 6,500-square-foot space that formerly served as the university's bookstore, the hub will feature open workspaces for students and community members, conference rooms, technology resources such as laptops and 3D printers, faculty consultations, business skills workshops, entrepreneurial summits, experiential learning opportunities for students and more, FSU explained in a news announcement. The university expects the hub to generate at least 30 new jobs or business within two years.

"Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of our new economy," said Fayetteville city Mayor Mitch Colvin, in a statement. "The City of Fayetteville now has a centrally located one-stop-shop for small businesses to get the support they need. We are stronger together and are excited to partner with FSU to strengthen our workforce in an innovative way."

"FSU has embarked upon a new era of grooming business leaders of tomorrow with our state-of-the art Innovation Hub," said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. "We are thankful to the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County for supporting this vision and investing in the future economic engine."

"The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub represents our commitment to be a resource to the city, county and region," added Wesley Fountain, associate vice chancellor for Community Relations and Economic Partnerships at the university.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Embry-Riddle Breaks Ground on New Office Building

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced that construction has begun on a new office building for its campus Research Park, according to a news release. The university partnered with Hoar Construction on the 34,740-square-foot Center for Aerospace Technology II (CAT II), which will be used for research and lab purposes.

  • California Boarding School Opens New Inquiry Collaborative Facility

    Cate School, a boarding school in Carpinteria, Calif., for students grades 9–12, recently announced that it has finished renovating a historic dining hall into a new academic hub, according to a news release. The school partnered with Blackbird Architects and Tangram Interiors on the two-story, 16,000-square-foot Inquiry Collaborative.

  • woman looking at futuristic data display

    7 Technology Strategies for Future-Forward Facilities Management

    From college and university systems to K–12 districts, campus facilities and technology leaders must make strategic technology decisions that support both current needs and future possibilities.

  • Image credit: O

    Strategic Campus Assessment: Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance in Educational Facilities

    While campuses may appear stable on the surface, building systems naturally evolve over time, and proactive assessment can identify developing issues before they become expensive emergencies. The question isn't whether aging educational facilities need attention. It's how institutions can transition from costly reactive maintenance to strategic asset management in a way that protects both budgets and communities.

Digital Edition