‘Dream big, execute, win’: New director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation shares plans

Nique Fajors recently took the helm at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Housed in the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, the CEI helps connect students with resources, mentors, collaborators, and experiences that will enable them to have the best chance at launching a successful enterprise. 

Fajors will also serve as an assistant teaching professor of marketing. He brings with him more than two decades of experience, having driven transformative success in multiple startups and turnaround initiatives and generating more than $2.1 billion in revenue across B2C and B2B sectors. He’s also been quoted in prestigious national publications and has co-hosted his own podcast. Fajors shared with us his plans for the CEI and how he hopes to grow its impact beyond the campus. 

What inspired you to follow a career path to Mizzou?
Fajors: Over the next decade, my career will focus on entrepreneurship and mentorship. What drew me to Mizzou is its vibrant, can-do culture, talented student body, and forward-thinking leadership, which I believe will empower me to create lasting impact for our students and alumni.

What will you be doing in your new position with the Trulaske College of Business?
Fajors: In my role, I will teach courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. As director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), I'll lead programs that turn student ideas into viable ventures, promote interdisciplinary teamwork across campus, and link participants with mentors and funding opportunities. Dean Rajagopalan's challenge to think big and execute flawlessly aligns perfectly with our mission, and I am excited to drive results on the business school's key priorities.

What most excites you about this new opportunity?
Fajors: Supporting young people to dream big, execute, and win.

What opportunities do you see for growth in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation?
Fajors: I see two major growth opportunities: First, instilling the principles and passion of an entrepreneurial mindset in every student, aligning with Dean Rajagopalan's priorities for the business school. Second, enabling thousands of students university-wide to launch startups through expanded mentorship, workshops, pitch competitions, and partnerships.

What impact do you hope to have on students?
Fajors: Through teaching the entrepreneurial mindset, I aim to deliver an unparalleled education and life perspective that's distinctly Mizzou and highly sought after in the job market. For those pursuing entrepreneurship, I want to be a key mentor on their journey—accelerating their creative ideas, offering strategic advice, and helping them navigate adversity to build resilient ventures.

Why is it important to spark students’ entrepreneurial mindset at a young age?
Fajors: Sparking this mindset in students builds adaptability, creativity, and resilience early on. In the emerging AI era, it is an essential skill for anyone aiming to thrive, regardless of their background.

What role would you like to see the CEI play beyond the Mizzou campus?
Fajors: The CEI's role can expand as far as our ambitions take us. Significant progress in this area has already been made. Over time, I envision impacting four key ecosystems: mid-Missouri, the State of Missouri, America and select global markets.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Fajors: I am an avid walker and can't wait to explore Mizzou's beautiful campus and Columbia's trails regularly — it is a great way to recharge and spark new ideas for our entrepreneurial programs.

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.