Clifford Hurst - From Marine Corps Officer to Champion of Entrepreneurial Education at Ohio Wesleyan University

Join us on a remarkable journey with the insightful Professor Clifford Hurst of Ohio Wesleyan University, as he recounts his extraordinary shift from a disciplined Marine Corps officer to a dynamic entrepreneurship professor. His story is a testament to the boundless nature of the entrepreneurial spirit, weaving through various career paths and disciplines. With Clifford's guidance, Ohio Wesleyan's entrepreneurial program is gaining momentum, growing from a singular course offering to a full-fledged minor. The conversation uncovers the essence of entrepreneurship – a universal pursuit that thrives on the hustle and embraces a supportive community, irrespective of success levels.

Venture into the innovative territory where nonprofits embrace entrepreneurship, as a tool for sustainability. In this episode, Michelle shares about her own foray into the world of social enterprise, explaining how starting a vending machine business was the answer to funding a food pantry. This narrative sparks a broader discussion on how social entrepreneurship is transforming nonprofit revenue models, with a special focus on empowering students through hands-on projects that equip them with essential business skills. 

Finally, Professor Hurst shares how student entrepreneurs  are catching momentum at the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University as it is a nucleus for nurturing student startups. 

Chapters

• 0:00 Midwest Momentum
• 11:15 Entrepreneurship in Nonprofits
• 23:08 Igniting Entrepreneurial Spirit in Students