Since LaunchNET Kent State opened its Kent Student Center office in summer 2012, the advisers have helped more than 1,500 5X社区 entrepreneurs and innovators, and now the unique 鈥済lass box鈥� office is no longer sufficient.
鈥淵our ideas grew so big that we outgrew our space,鈥� says Julie Messing, LaunchNET Kent State鈥檚 executive director. Starting summer 2017, LaunchNET Kent State will be supporting Kent State students, faculty, staff and alumni with its innovative, entrepreneurial endeavors from a new home on the second floor of University Library.
鈥淲e are excited to join all of the amazing services in University Libraries,鈥� says Zach Mikrut, LaunchNET Kent State鈥檚 program manager. 鈥淭his is really a natural fit as we have been partners with them on many campus events and initiatives, such as the Kent State Mini Maker Faire and Innov8athon.鈥�
LaunchNET will continue to maintain the visibility and accessibility to the university population for which it has become known. The University Library is a high-traffic environment that recently welcomed its one millionth visitor and annually coordinates a variety of events and activities. Being located on the second floor of University Library allows LaunchNET Kent State鈥檚 entrepreneurs convenient access to frequently used services, such as the Student Multimedia Studio and the business and entrepreneurship outreach librarian.
鈥淲e are extremely excited for LaunchNET to join the libraries鈥� family,鈥� said Ken Burhanna, assistant dean of University Libraries. 鈥淯niversity Libraries strive to be student-first, outward facing and focused on the success of all. That also describes LaunchNET exactly. So this a perfect match.鈥�
The current LaunchNET Kent State location in the Kent Student Center will close during intersession in May. LaunchNET Kent State has set up to enable users to track its move progress. Advisors will be available throughout the transition period and can be contacted via email or through the website. In addition to Kent State, LaunchNET is supported by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, which recently renewed its funding for Kent State LaunchNET and its programs.
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