About the Institute

​The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University is a nationally recognized leader in entrepreneurship education. Built on the belief that the same skills that make for successful entrepreneurs also make for successful humans, the Institute takes an education-first approach to helping students lead lives of impact. We equip Spartans with the entrepreneurial mindset, real-world experience, and the community they need to create meaningful change.

 

Our Mission

We prepare Spartans to lead lives of impact by providing an education-first approach to entrepreneurship—equipping students with the mindset, experience, and community to innovate, collaborate, and create real-world change.

 

Our Vision

We believe the same skills that make for successful entrepreneurs also make for successful humans. We envision a world shaped by Spartans, who lead with creativity, resilience, and purpose, built through an entrepreneurial education that lasts a lifetime.

 

Meet Our Team

STAFF

Dr. Laurel Ofstein

Faculty Director

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Christopher Sell

Associate Director of Development

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Paul Jaques

Managing Director, Venture Creation

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Lori Fischer

Director of Outreach & Engagement

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Ken Szymusiak

Managing Director, Operations

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Sean Fochtman

Director of Alumni Venture Support

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Angie Schram

Senior Fiscal Officer & HR Manager

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Aubrey Haase

Marketing & Program Manager

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Leigh Anne Jewison

Office Manager

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Dr. Lillian Brooks

Academic Advisor

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