Clayton State Innovation Center officially open for Business

(October 31, 2023) - After more than a year of renovations, the College of Business’ Innovation Center on Clayton State’s East Campus celebrated its grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, October 24.

Plenty of students were on hand to celebrate alongside numerous members of the university’s faculty and staff, as well as those in the surrounding community.

Free food, t-shirts, and more were given out to all in attendance upon arrival, while Mr. Wesley Eugene from IDEO served as a keynote speaker to close the event.

Jalen Teal, the manager of the new university center, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their ongoing support for the new space, as well as their participation and presence at its grand opening.

“I am overwhelmed by the presence in this room, as well as the support from the community and my folks on campus,” Teal said. “Those in Facilities, those in IT, you’ve been on my side this entire way. It has taken a lot to get this beautiful space to where we are today.”

In her opening remarks at the celebration, Teal said that the Innovation Center “is meant to be a creative and entrepreneurial space for Clayton State students and the surrounding community,” fully intended “to implement initiatives, and host workshops and events that uphold the pillars of the College of Business’ existing mission and vision.”

The space will also host meetings for several College of Business clubs, including the Marketing Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Economics Club, Accounting Club, and Supply Chain Round Table.

Additionally, Teal said she is excited to work with external stakeholders and community members moving forward.

“Everything in here is on wheels, so you’re liable to come in here for any event and it will look completely different,” Teal said.

In her closing remarks, Teal thanked everyone for their continual support of the Innovation Center and is more than ready to see Lakers of today and tomorrow take advantage of it.

“I have to give thanks to the students who have already supported us, come to events, and helped fill the space,” Teal said. “I hope you continue to do so. We are here to serve you.” 

A pair of upcoming events at the Innovation Center include a Women on Wednesdays session with Sylvia Elkins-Carter of Fresenius Medical Care and Martin-Carter Capital Assets on Wednesday, November 1 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. 

A Financial Literacy Workshop will also be hosted on the same day from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Dr. Leon Prieto sits down with IDEO's Wesley Eugene during the keynote speaker spotlight at the Innovation Center Grand Opening