From corporate to classroom

Entrepreneur leading Trine's Ketner School of Business

ANGOLA, Ind. — He acquired three patents and met with remarkable professional success before he was 40 years old. Now, an entrepreneur who could go anywhere in the world and do anything he wants to do, is returning to his alma mater to help future generations bring their ideas to fruition.

Scott Fergusson of Fort Wayne will take the helm as dean of Trine University’s Ketner School of Business beginning July 15. Fergusson attended Trine (then Tri-State) University on scholarships and earned an engineering administration degree in 1992.

“We are very pleased to have Scott join our team at Trine,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine’s president. “He not only brings an enthusiasm for academics, but a passion for creativity, ideas and entrepreneurship. That’s a rare combination, and we are excited to be here as he helps students bring their ideas to life with the help of our expert faculty, top-notch resources and devoted donors, many of whom are stepping up to support the university’s entrepreneurship initiatives.”

In 2010, he became director of the university’s Technology Commercialization Lab and Rhoads Center for Entrepreneurship. Fergusson’s goals were to provide students with necessary resources to make sure their inventions and ideas stayed alive.

As he moves into his new role as dean, Fergusson plans to work with faculty to incorporate entrepreneurship and problem-solving approaches in the classroom. His vision is to fine-tune the focus of business school and make Trine stand uniquely apart from other institutions.

“We want people to see the Trine difference. Some schools offer more and more programming. The plan is for Trine to have a laser-sharp focus on programs that will enable our students to differentiate themselves and remain competitive in the workplace,” Fergusson said. “We have faculty who not only are experts in their fields, but have some phenomenal professional experiences. They are tremendously committed. They have a vested interest in their students’ success beyond the classroom.”

He wants the classroom to be a training ground for the real world, and he hopes to connect with area companies so that students can gain some valuable experiences. Perhaps, he said, it will entice some to investigate their own ideas, inventions, goals and dreams.

“Sometimes, when you get people with these great ideas, they drop out. But, how many of us have an electron microscope in the garage or have access to an expert in the field in an office down the hall?” Fergusson said. “It just blows my mind that 30 steps from my door is a Ph.D. who is an expert in aerospace engineering. We need to help students with their ideas, create learning opportunities and give them reasons to want to stay on campus.”

Trine’s administration is looking forward to seeing developments during Fergusson’s first year on the job.

“Learning is at the core of his plans,” said David Finley, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. “With new initiatives in the Ketner School of Business combined with our nationally recognized engineering programs, students will have the chance to not only learn in the classroom, but be entrepreneurs as well. That’s what we’re about here — creating tomorrow’s leaders.”

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.