The Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation
"Inspiring innovation through education"
Imagine going to work every day and doing something you are passionate about and feel a calling to do. The Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation (CLEI), which was established by Roanoke College in 2003, is committed to helping students discover their vocational passions and interests and providing them with the educational tools needed to turn their ideas into viable innovations and businesses. Through college courses, intensive learning experiences, independent studies, internships, job shadowing and exposure to professional subject matter experts across a wide range of disciplines, students are encouraged to pursue their interests through entrepreneurial expression. Throughout their educational journey at Roanoke College, entrepreneurial minded students are taught creative problem solving, the value of collaborative teamwork, organizational leadership, market analysis and strategic planning. Underpinning all these educational experiences is a solid foundation in leadership principles ranging from business ethics to team dynamics.
The 21st century has brought forward an eruption in the “gig” economy. More than ever before, graduates are exploring entrepreneurship as an alternative to the traditional post-College career model. It is crucial that students be provided the opportunity to consider and experience these alternatives in order to obtain meaningful employment and long-term career satisfaction in order to compete. There is no better alternative than providing students with the educational knowledge, skills and experiences required to help them create their own business or to function in their employment as a creative and innovative asset to the Company. As an academic center of excellence, CLEI is committed to helping students unleash their potentials through creative innovations and entrepreneurial exploration.
Thank you for your interest in CLEI. Please take time to look over our program offerings and schedule of upcoming events.