CCU debuts new business institute
The new communitywide institute will identify CCU undergraduate students who have the potential to make significant contributions to their fields of study and who wish to gain valuable hands-on experience by providing solutions for local businesses.
As part of the institute's mentoring component, consulting teams will be established for each project. Teams will be composed of a faculty adviser, a graduate student and undergraduate students; undergraduates will also receive class credit for their participation. To maximize the value of the project, all members' work will be reviewed by the graduate student and faculty adviser.
"The experience the undergraduates are gaining from the program will not only benefit the clients in the long term, but hone the students' critical thinking skills," says Barbara Ritter, Ph.D., interim dean of the Wall College of Business.
Peter Gasca, a teaching associate in the department of management and decision sciences in the Wall College of Business, has been named director of the center. Gasca is also the co-founder and CEO of Wild Creations, a Myrtle Beach-based toy and game development company that was recognized in 2010 as the fastest growing small business in South Carolina. He has a broad professional business network that includes an active role in Startup.SC.
"I feel Coastal Carolina is on the cusp of becoming one of the premier universities of the state," says Gasca. "I believe CoBe is the perfect opportunity to highlight our talented underclassmen while adding value, making a real impact and raising the visibility of our amazing university with the business community in and around South Carolina."
The institute is located in the Wall College, Room 215. For more information, contact Gasca at 843-349-2837 or pgasca@coastal.edu.