QU APPOINTS ROGER LEENERTS AS DIRECTOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Quincy University has announced the appointment of Roger Leenerts as Director of Entrepreneurship. Leenerts will be responsible for the operation of the newly created Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation that will provide experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom walls.
“We are excited that Roger has agreed to serve as our founding Director of Entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “In this role, he will both continue to teach courses in the Oakley School of Business and bring his vast experience and creativity to larger audiences of students in majors across the University, both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Leenerts earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University and a MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He most recently served as the Facilitator of the Adams County CEO program. His previous work experience includes serving as the Director of Manufacturing for Quincy Compressor and as the President/Owner of H&B Quality Tooling and the Leenerts Group, LLC. He is involved in the community as a board member for Junior Achievement and the Quincy Rotary Club. He has also been active with Toastmasters and Boy Scouts and as an advisory board member for JWCC, QHS and QU. Additionally, Leenerts serves on the board of the Quincy Business and Technology Center.
“I am very excited to grow and lead entrepreneurship activities at Quincy University,” said Leenerts. “This is a great opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, and even our local community to take ideas and transition them to successful businesses.”
The center will provide interdisciplinary programming and will offer professional development, seminars, events, and courses for alumni and the local community. Initial priorities will be to assess and benchmark successful programs, while meeting with QU stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the opportunities that are available.
“Roger is the perfect person at the right time to lead entrepreneurship efforts at QU,” said Tony Crane, Quincy Business and Technology Center Board Member and former QU trustee. “His vast business experience will help mold future entrepreneurs that will positively impact our region for generations to come.”
Leenerts will be responsible for developing the ecosystem of entrepreneurship on campus, in the community and beyond and will play an integral role in the development of student-led businesses. He will also lead QU’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) and serve as a resource to faculty.
“Entrepreneurial thinking is for all majors, not just those focusing on a business degree,” added Leenerts. “I really enjoy creating and building, and I look forward to that process with entrepreneurship at QU.”
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit drx1.zurroundgame.com or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@zurroundgame.com. Quincy University. Success by Design.