Tim Scales

The newspaper has pledged $20,000 toward the center as part of the campus’ “Campaign for Community.”

“IU East has been instrumental for 30 years in helping businesses in Wayne County,” said Palladium-Item publisher Patrick Doyle. “The expansion of the entrepreneurship programs—with partnership from businesses like the Palladium-Item—will further that assistance exponentially, helping our area blossom into a thriving economy.”

The center will help students participate directly in the economic issues of the region; it will aid students in starting businesses and will focus on implementing creativity in businesses. Students will be equipped with specialized classes and internships. Field trips to area businesses will illustrate that their goals are attainable.

“We’re trying to help drive the local economy,” Doyle said. “I can’t think of a better way to do it than to help the local schools.”

Tim Scales, an IU East lecturer in business and economics, is the director of the entrepreneurship center. He said the center will be looking for several partners like the Palladium-Item.

“The entrepreneurship center will provide a mixture of opportunities, some of which will need research,” Scales said. “But the exciting part is going to be building the relationships with businesses, the community, university and students.”