Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Create and Connect
The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Ohio Dominican University combines study and teaching while providing an inspirational space for students who embrace innovation through entrepreneurial and social entrepreneurship activities. The Center and its partners host a wide variety of programs and events designed to encourage entrepreneurial development and exposure to the Columbus entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Our Partners
The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship serves as a coordinating hub of support, knowledge and contacts that students need to access the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Central Ohio.The Center is proud to partner with innovation giants like Rev1 Ventures and the Ohio Innovation Fund to develop connections with entrepreneurs, extend invitations to events, and enhance access to expanded internship, networking and career opportunities.
Events, Presentations & Activities
Through ODU’s popular “Conversations with Entrepreneurs” lecture series, local business leaders are invited to visit campus and share their origin stories with members of the campus community. Conversations are often lively, and students are leave with new ideas and energy to make their mark on the world.
Some of our most recent presenters include:
- Kimmi Wernli, President & Owner, Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter
- Kerri Mollard, Owner, Kerri Mollard Consulting and Social Entrepreneurship Pro
- Greg Ubert, Founder, Crimson Cup
Global Entrepreneurship Week
ODU proudly participates in Global Entrepreneurship Week, a worldwide celebration of innovators who dream big and launch startups that bring ideas to life. Each November, we gather students and entrepreneurs together to celebrate unique ideas and make new connections.
Leadership
Natalie Kompa, Ed.D.
Associate Professor & Department Head of Public Relations
The Center is led by Natalie Kompa, Ed.D., a full-time faculty member in ODU’s Public Relations and Marketing Communication program. Dr. Kompa brings a unique combination of corporate, academic and entrepreneurial experience to the Center, and she enjoys working with students to help them develop skills and new ventures that last way beyond their college experiences.
How Students Can Get Involved
1911PR (ODU’s student-run PR firm)
Students manage ongoing clients, and create PR & Marketing Communication strategies and tactics for a wide variety of organizations. 1911PR has won two national case competitions in recent years, giving students the opportunity to learn, travel and compete against some of the largest universities in the country.
Minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
ODU's minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides students the tools and insights necessary to launch a new venture, whether it is for-profit or not-for-profit. Students of any major are able to pursue the minor by taking a combination of courses and completing an internship. Whether your goal is to start a business, foster innovation within an organization, or drive social change through social entrepreneurship, this minor will help you pursue your passion.
Entrepreneurship Club
Students learn how to generate and develop business ideas in a safe environment through the following opportunities:
- Business model development
- Mentoring opportunities
- Networking trips to visit startups, investors, and business accelerators
Finance Club
Students learn various investment methods and strategies in a diverse and conductive club environment.
- Run a “fantasy” mutual fund and learn the ins and outs of investing
- Join panel discussions and hear from experts
- Develop your network with finance, investment and venture fund pros
Stay Connected
ODU Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
307 Spangler Learning Center
cie@ohiodominican.edu