As the fall 2024 semester kicks off, the University of Northern Colorado’s Monfort College of Business (MCB) is introducing several exciting changes and opportunities for both current and prospective students. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and immersive learning, MCB is enhancing its academic programs and fostering a more inclusive and engaging environment. 

New Concentrations to Meet Market Demands 

This fall, MCB is adding four new concentrations in its undergraduate programs. Rather than offering general business degrees, students can now choose to specialize in areas like Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Institutions and Risk Management, and Wealth Management, that align with specific career goals. At the graduate level, a new concentration in Accounting Analytics is being introduced.  

Keiko Krahnke, Interim MCB Dean , explains the significance. "Accountants collect and report financial information.  Analytics helps accountants use data science to make better decisions and develop effective solutions."  

This shift reflects the growing importance of data skills in today’s job market, giving students a competitive edge as they prepare for their careers. 

Real-World Experience Through Immersive Learning 

MCB continues to emphasize experiential learning, which provides students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields. One of the unique opportunities this semester is the Entrepreneurship concentration's involvement in managing a student-run coffee shop in Kepner Hall. Under the guidance of a faculty member, students will gain firsthand experience running a small business, covering everything from marketing to inventory management. This kind of real-world application helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and prepares them for success in diverse business environments. 

Another way that the students can benefit from real-life business experience is the Micro-Interships. This project allows students to be paid while gaining the skills needed to develop their professional path by participating in short-term, usually remote projects with many companies. All Micro-Internships are paid and they typically require between 10 and 40 hours of work in total. 

A Fresh Look at Learning Spaces: New Student Lounge  

This semester, MCB is revitalizing its lower-level space to foster more interaction and networking among students. As part of the college’s commitment to inclusion, Krahnke shares, "We want all students to feel at home here, where they belong."  

With the addition of a new coffee shop and updated amenities, the college aims to create a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and community. 

Community and Entrepreneurial Engagement 

MCB’s upcoming Entrepreneurial e-Challenge now includes an exciting new collaboration with the City of Greeley. The challenge invites participants to present innovative business ideas to a panel of judges, with opportunities to win substantial prizes. This year, the competition will feature four divisions: open, UNC faculty, collegiate, and high school, helping to connect students with the broader community and offering valuable networking opportunities. The involvement of Greeley community further emphasizes the college’s dedication to integrating local partnerships and enhancing student engagement beyond the classroom.  

Prospective students will find that MCB not only equips them with essential skills but also nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose, making it an ideal place to begin their business careers. 

Capacity Building for Innovation  

A highlight of MCB's fall programming is the $400,000 Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity Program (EPIIC) grant, spearheaded by Isaac Wanasika, Professor of Management at MCB. This NSF grant promises to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape and workforce resilience across Colorado's Front Range, particularly benefiting UNC, MCB, and the broader Greeley community. 

The EPIIC grant aims to build a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem for innovation by enhancing education, fostering long-term partnerships, and accelerating startups, with a keen focus on agtech, biotech, and other locally significant industries. For UNC and MCB, this grant not only marks the largest NSF funding received to date, but also sets a new precedent for community engagement and economic development efforts, directly addressing the needs of underrepresented communities within Greeley and beyond. By empowering local entrepreneurs and businesses with the resources and support needed to thrive, this initiative is poised to create lasting economic growth and social mobility, reinforcing UNC's role as a key driver of innovation and opportunity in northern Colorado. 

"This project represents an important collaboration between colleges at UNC through faculty innovation fellows, aimed at fostering collaboration not only between faculty from different colleges but also with local organizations, and other universities" said Wanasika. 

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 Related content: NSF Grant to Focus on Entrepreneurship, Workforce Resilience and Development along Colorado's Front Range 

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One of the projects focuses on reducing agricultural waste and promoting sustainable farming practices.  

"The idea is to conduct research that helps farmers minimize waste through sustainable technologies," Wanasika explained. The project is driven by the need to develop solutions that are not only sustainable but also commercially viable.  

"We are working closely with local businesses to ensure that the practices we develop can succeed in a competitive marketplace," he added. 

MCB is actively involving its business faculty in this project to assess the commercial viability of these initiatives. This includes evaluating their potential for scalability and sustainability in a capitalist market environment. By integrating faculty expertise with the real-world challenges faced by local farmers, MCB aims to create a model for sustainable economic development that can be replicated in other communities. 

Student Engagement and Community Impact 

MCB is also enhancing its student engagement efforts this fall with the launch of a new student-led consulting program. The Small Business Counseling course has been revamped to provide students with hands-on experience in consulting while helping local businesses address pressing challenges. Students participating in the program will work in teams to develop solutions for local businesses, ranging from marketing strategies to operational improvements. MCB has also initiated collaboration with the City of Greeley through called gBeta. This initiative aims to provide startup accelerator training for the community, including students and faculty.  

"gBeta program and our entrepreneurship ecosystem is a win-win," said Wanasika. "Our community, including students, gain invaluable real-world experience, and local businesses benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative solutions." 

Additionally, MCB's student clubs are gearing up for an active semester, with several events and initiatives planned to foster networking, professional development and community service. The MCB Marketing Club is organizing a series of workshops on digital marketing trends, while the Business Student Council is launching a mentorship program to connect students with alumni working in their fields of interest. 

 With a dynamic mix of innovative projects, new courses, and expanded community partnerships, MCB is poised for an exciting and impactful fall semester.