The program is in its infancy but has already seen positive feedback from both the University and from students enrolled.

Over the next several years, the program will offer applied undergraduate research, internships, field placements, camps and study abroad opportunities, among other programs all focused on developing entrepreneurship and agribusiness.

Mark Gustafson is the Founding Director of Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program

Mark Gustafson, the founding director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and the Paul Engler Chair of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, has been one of the major pioneers of this program. He said numerous opportunities for students will provide them with tools to help them with their businesses after graduation.

“There will be opportunities for undergraduate research in the area of entrepreneurship,” Gustafson said. “After the students go through the program, there will be a minor for students who complete the program.

“Once they’ve gone through that, they can apply for funding out of events for capitol funds.”

The donation money is dispersed throughout the next ten years, which means most of the projects and different goals of the program will not happen for a few years. The main purpose right now is to get students involved and enrolled.

“The donation money comes in over ten years, so initially we’ll focus on getting the courses in place we need to and identifying students by getting them scholarships,” Gustafson said. “In the years to come, some of these other things will enhance the program.”

Students in this first year were required to already have been enrolled in the college of agribusiness.

“We’ll make sure the students selected have the full experience, including study abroad and internships,” Gustafson said. “I think it will be a really interesting program and provide a great opportunity for kids who want to grow their own business.”

There have already been a couple dozen applicants for scholarships through this program.

Paul Engler and his wife Virginia

Gustafson’s initial focus has been on recruiting students, getting a minor in the  Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship set up at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, selecting students that will become Engler Scholars and funding additional entrepreneurial courses.

He also has been involved with beginning the process of developing the Big Red Entrepreneurship Camp next year and identifying and creating study abroad opportunities.

Gustafson said many faculty, including Kathy Thornton, Interim Director of the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship, Dean Waller and Jill Brown of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Dean Dickey of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, are heavily involved with the program and its development.

“Paul Engler is taking an active interest in the program which will be very helpful as we build a network of successful agribusiness entrepreneurs to provide mentoring and internship experiences for the students and speakers for the future lecture series,” Gustafson said. “It is very exciting to be on the ground floor of this program.”

Gustafson expects this program to continue to grow. He said the applicant pool was limited this year but as the years go on, the word about this program will spread. He hopes the program will educate students about the benefits of entrepreneurship in Nebraska at this crucial time in the economy.

“This comes at a really good time from a rural economic development point of view,” he said. “A lot of people tried to bring other industries in and they’re starting to realize that it’s better to try to help businesses within your community grow and to help individuals start businesses.

“Nebraska as a whole is highly dependent on the Ag industry so adding value to the agriculture industry is beneficial.”

To find more about the $20 million gift from the Engler Foundation and watch video of Paul Engler and others check out this article on the University of Nebraska Foundation web site.