New Leadership for the Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) is under new leadership with a renewed vision and mission. Dr. Donald Mosley, Jr. is the incoming Executive Director of the MCEI, having recently stepped down as Chair of the Department of Management in the Mitchell College.  Dr. Mosley has extensive experience as a consultant/facilitator for organizations in the public and private sectors, including the RSA Tower, Parsons Brinckerhoff, San Diego Padres, City of Fairhope, FEMA, Johnstone Adams Law Firm, Providence Hospital, Leadership Mississippi, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  He leads a new team of Directors seeking to positively impact the university and regional communities.

Thomas NelsonDr. Thomas Nelson joins the MCEI as the Director of Student Competitions.  He will be designing and implementing a variety of entrepreneurship contests and activities for USA. Previously, he organized and directed a large elevator pitch competition for the University of Cincinnati that include 200 student teams, with over 500 students.  He earned his master’s from Ball State University and his Ph.D. (Entrepreneurship) from the University of Louisville. Thomas is a lifelong entrepreneur having started several companies before earning his Ph.D., and has since assisted with or developed entrepreneurship programs at three universities.

Jennifer EdwardsMs. Jennifer Edwards is the new Director of External Projects.  Her primary responsibility will be to establish ongoing student businesses.  Last year, she and the entrepreneurship students started Coastal Organics, a farm to market distribution concept, which is underway and Feeding the Gulf Coast is the community partner.  Ms. Edwards also serves as advisor to Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization CEO student organization in the MCOB.  Their focus is fostering entrepreneurial interests and providing USA students with engagement opportunities in the community.  Lastly, Ms. Edwards teaches in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA).  YEA is a collaboration with the Alabama School of Math and Science and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Mitchell College of Business will participate in the program for the second year to teach high school students the importance of business and process development and implementation.

Faculty and students are very excited about the new MCEI leaders and the experience they provide to our constituents and are looking forward to participating in the many events the Center has planned.