Feature image above: Yue Zhao
While college campuses around the United States have seen fluctuating enrollment rates over the past decade, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is witnessing the opposite at its innovation and entrepreneurship programs, which have become the school’s key focus within its school of business.
The UA Little Rock School of Business is experiencing the influx firsthand: Entrepreneurship education has grown significantly, and students are now more than ever pursuing degrees in entrepreneurship and innovation.
“People are realizing that entrepreneurship is not just about launching the next big tech company,” said Yue Zhao, department chair for the management, marketing and technology program. “It is about learning how to think creatively, solve real problems and build something that matters. More students want to create their own path instead of following a traditional one.”
According to the British Educational Research Journal, the rapidly growing degree track is also linked to economic growth on the state level, which equips new generations of business professionals to develop successful entrepreneurs and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“More people want to build something of their own, something meaningful,” Zhao said. “We are seeing both students and professionals take a fresh look at what their careers can be. Entrepreneurship education gives them the tools to not only chase their ideas but also to make a real impact.
“Here in Arkansas, where small businesses truly form the backbone of our communities, those skills are more important than ever. People want freedom, purpose and the ability to create change where they live. That is exactly what entrepreneurship makes possible.”
UA Little Rock categorizes the newfound entrepreneurial evolution as a game changer, betting on the fact that increasing its investment, involvement and implementation in entrepreneurial and innovative fields will promote sustainable economic development.
“Entrepreneurship education teaches people how to identify opportunities, take smart risks and build something sustainable,” Zhao said. “When students learn how to turn an idea into a real product or service, they are not just helping themselves; they are creating jobs, keeping talent in Arkansas and contributing to local communities.
“Every small business that starts here, grows here and stays here adds strength to our state economy. That kind of growth from the ground up is what Arkansas needs more of. At the UA Little Rock School of Business, that is a big part of our mission. We are focused on preparing innovative leaders who are ready to help grow Arkansas not just academically but socially and economically. We want our students to walk away not just with a degree but with the mindset that says, ‘I can build something right here.’”
The university offers a specialized certificate program for those wanting to enhance their entrepreneurial skills. Students can pursue an entrepreneurship and innovation concentration through the Bachelor of Business Administration management track. Nearly 20 percent of UA Little Rock’s management students are pursuing the degree, underscoring a growing impact of entrepreneurship education in the capital city.
Although it is continually growing within the business school, Zhao says the program is being utilized by students across the campus.
“Our innovation and entrepreneurship programs have seen strong growth,” said Zhao. “They are attracting students from all kinds of majors, not just business. That is exactly what we hope for because the spirit of entrepreneurship applies across disciplines. We have focused on making the coursework practical and engaging, with hands-on experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
“All of this ties directly back to the mission of the school of business: to prepare students to lead in a constantly changing world. We are not just offering academic programs; we are building problem solvers, creative thinkers and future founders who are ready to step up and make a difference.”
The program also fosters hands-on experience and offers students insights in a real-world setting.
“One of the highlights of the year is our annual Entrepreneurship Day,” Zhao said. “Students actually sell their products to the campus community, making real business transactions and receiving real-time feedback. It is an experience that builds confidence and shows them how to apply what they are learning in a real-world setting.
“We also connect our students with local business resources. We have a strong relationship with the Venture Center [in Little Rock], and we collaborate closely with [the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center in Little Rock]. Our advisory board members, along with leaders from local companies and a variety of industries, are actively engaged in supporting and shaping the program. Their involvement gives students insight, access and opportunities that truly enrich their learning experience.”
Across the state, several other colleges and universities are fostering similar programs. However, Zhao attributes the school’s prominent success to its location and connections.
“There are other strong entrepreneurial programs across Arkansas, and many are doing great work to support innovation in different regions,” she said. “What makes UA Little Rock stand out is our location and our access. Being in the capital city gives our students access to business leaders, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and startups.”
Students in her program are not just learning inside classrooms either, she said.
“They are networking, interning, pitching ideas, and being part of conversations that are shaping policy and progress,” she said. “The school of business has a clear vision to be a key driver of economic development in Arkansas. We take that seriously. We are not just teaching theory; we are giving students the skills and the support they need to shape the future of this state.”
Zhao said the program currently houses about 80 students, and many more are showing strong interest. She added that she expects the number of students choosing the track for their major to grow.
“While most students choosing the track for their major as the main emphasis for their bachelor’s degree, we also have students pursuing it through the certificate option,” she said. “We built this program to align with the state’s priorities and the local small business environment. Strategically, we’ve recently been putting major focus and energy into the entrepreneurship program. We’re actively developing it into one of the flagship programs within the school of business.”
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