COLUMBIA, Mo. — Jay Sparks has guided entrepreneurs for the past three years for Columbia’s Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI). Beginning Sept. 11, he’ll take on a new role as director of Columbia College’s Steven and Barbara Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship.
The addition of Sparks to the Fishman Center team was announced Monday in a news release from the college.
“This is truly a feeling of coming home,” says Sparks, a 1999 CC graduate. “As an alumnus, I am beyond excited to continue deepening the community connections Columbia College has with the robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in mid-Missouri. The chance to explore beyond those bounds through recruiting and throughout the college’s nationwide footprint is a wonderful opportunity.”
Sparks continued, “I appreciate the chance to do great things.”
Sparks received his Bachelor of Arts in Independent Studies with an emphasis in philosophy from Columbia College. While a student at CC, he founded the Residential Hall Council Association.
At REDI the past three years, Sparks was the entrepreneurship coordinator and oversaw significant growth in the agency’s client roster, especially with minority- and women-owned businesses.
He worked within a strategic plan to position REDI as a central point of contact for entrepreneurship in the region.
Jonathon Moberly, dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, which houses the Fishman Center, says the college is pleased to welcome Sparks back to campus “full-time as one of our own.”
“Jay is a proven connector and business coach who brings exciting vision for elevating our students in the Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship,” Moberly adds. “Together we look forward to building upon the positive momentum of this program.”
The news release says the Fishman Center strives to carry out its mission to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and promote entrepreneurship as a career choice.
The Fishman Center hosts an annual Entrepreneurship Showcase and Student Business Pitch Competition. Students in Columbia and across the country develop business ideas and are paired with alumni mentors before presenting their pitches to a panel of judges. Sparks has volunteered as a coach in the pitch competition for several years. As part of the showcase, the college also welcomes a keynote speaker to share insights with budding entrepreneurs.
Throughout the year, the center offers experiential learning based on curriculum; entrepreneurial events and programs; private consultation on entrepreneurial ventures; entrepreneurship mentoring; internship advice and resources; and resource identification.
Columbia College was founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri. The nonprofit institution touts its small classes, experienced faculty, and quality educational programs as among its top features. CC offers day, evening, and online classes, and has more than 97,000 alumni worldwide.
