by Danielle Tice
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship proudly welcomes Dr. Lillian R. Brooks as the new Academic Specialist Advisor for Undergraduate Student Services. Brooks is the Entrepreneurship & Innovation minor advisor, bringing a wealth of administration, leadership, and industry experience.
The Burgess Institute is committed to offering its students opportunities that cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, inspiring professional and startup growth. The Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is one of the fastest-growing academic minors on campus. Welcoming Dr. Lillian R. Brooks marks a significant step in providing enhanced guidance to students on their academic entrepreneurial journey.
Brooks earned her MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy, a BS in marketing and international management from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University, where her research focused on student transition to college and institutional practices that facilitate academic success.
With a distinguished background in higher education, administration, and leadership, Brooks steps into her new role with a clear vision: to enhance and support students interested in entrepreneurship.
Brooks is no stranger to the entrepreneurial path. Across her experiences, she has played integral roles within the organizations she served.
“I was an operations guest service manager at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where not only was I a manager, but I also created products sold in one of my locations,” explained Brooks. “Roles like these provided me with experiences in many fields, such as hospitality business, public relations, advertising, retail, food service, and operations management, as well as insight into several other industries.” Brooks’s experiences offer a valuable perspective when guiding students exploring the Minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Moreover, Brooks understands the importance of the entrepreneurial mindset. Within her years of experience, she has had the opportunity to flex her entrepreneurial muscles. “I was in charge of soliciting corporate sponsors, significantly increasing membership, and organizing successful fundraisers. I was also on the planning team for two national conferences that hosted over fourteen thousand people at each one!”
Academic advisors provide critical information about educational programs and degree requirements, education abroad, leadership development, choice of major, career options, policies and procedures, and campus resources.
“I am an academic advisor because I am passionate about student success,” said Brooks. “I believe students are much more capable than they give themselves credit for, and they are more capable than people in their lives have led them to believe.”
The Burgess Institute recognizes the significance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial minds. Brooks is motivated to join the Burgess Institute team at Michigan State University. “I think about my positive experience as a graduate student in the top-rated Higher Adult Lifelong Education (HALE) program at MSU” recalls Brooks, “So, working at one of the world’s preeminent business schools with a program recognized as top-ranked for student entrepreneurialism-count me in!”
Along with a Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Burgess Institute offers programs and resources for Spartans, no matter their home college. “I am delighted to assist students with academic and entrepreneurial pathways that lead to their desired careers,” said Brooks. “I relish connecting students to career resources and cultivating ideas around entrepreneurial endeavors.”
Delighted to assist students across all majors and colleges, Brooks aims to cultivate academic and entrepreneurial pathways. “I hope that the students I assist find me caring, sincere, and easy to talk to,” shares Brooks. “In the 20-plus years that I have managed employees and advised mentees, I have communicated openly and honestly with respect for diversity, coupled with acute listening skills.” Brooks’s approach conveys integrity, professionalism, and a welcoming sincerity with compassion for all she encounters.
The Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is open to all majors and colleges. Students interested in the Minor are encouraged to contact Dr. Lillian R. Brooks for guidance and to explore the Burgess Institute's exciting opportunities.
To connect with Dr. Lillian R. Brooks, please sign up for advising appointments through the Student Information System (SIS) portal. When creating an appointment, students within the Minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation should choose “Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor” as their reason for advising. In-person appointments are held in Brooks’s office in the Eppley Center, E101, (517) 355-7605. For other inquires, email her at lbrooks@broad.msu.edu.