MVA Hosts Collegiate Panel on Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership

By Mr. Lance Walsworth, Upper School Economics Teacher

On Friday, October 24, 2025, Montverde Academy hosted a Collegiate Panel on Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership programs. MVA students from the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development SAC program, along with members of the CEO in the Making organization, attended the event to learn more about the nature of college programs for business leaders. Representatives from four universities were in attendance: Dr. Nancy Cummings from Lake Sumter State College was able to attend in person. Dr. Kevin Taylor of Stetson University; Dr. Jamie Kraft from the University of Florida; and Kirsten Harrison, Assistant Dean at Florida State University, attended virtually.

Almost 40 students returned to campus after school to attend the panel and were able to ask questions of each of the panel representatives. Students learned about how the universities are using AI in their programs, how they use incubators and accelerators, how the universities help students to network with alumni and other leaders. Students learned about the programs, courses, majors, minors and graduate programs that each university offers. Students also learned about the competitions and events that the universities offer for student ideas and businesses.

Overall, the students were very engaged and appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the panel event. The Academy is excited about the amount participation in the event and is hoping to schedule further programs to help students gain access to more information and opportunities in entrepreneurship and business leadership.