Ken Szymusiak is managing director for academic programs for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University, where he leads the academic and curricular activities. Ken teaches courses focused on the entrepreneurial mindset, small business creation and management, and business model development. He also manages the Entrepreneurship Lab, an innovative student “idea laboratory” assisting Spartans in moving business concepts from idea to market. He also serves as faculty advisor for the MSU Entrepreneurship Association, Phi Chi Theta business fraternity, and MSU’s Design for America.
Ken earned his Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University and his MBA from Northwood University. Prior to joining MSU, Ken’s career centered around economic development and real estate, and he and his wife founded and operated a successful retail business for over seven years prior to selling the company.