Overview

The McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, established in 2004 through a generous gift from Al and Mary Agnes McQuinn with matching funds from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR), serves as a dynamic hub for innovation and leadership within the University of Missouri’s Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS).

Unlike traditional entrepreneurship programs, the McQuinn Center uniquely focuses on the intersection of life and social sciences, specializing in:

• Food and agricultural innovation
• Rural entrepreneurial development initiatives
• Natural resource entrepreneurship
• Sustainable business practices

Through cutting-edge research, dynamic teaching, and strategic partnerships, we empower students, faculty, and community members with entrepreneurial expertise and innovative problem-solving skills. Our workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs foster collaboration between academia and industry experts, creating practical learning experiences that address real-world challenges in agriculture, food systems, and rural development.

The McQuinn Center strengthens Missouri’s economic ecosystem and advances sustainable solutions, elevating the University of Missouri’s national and global reputation as a leader in life and social sciences entrepreneurship. Guided by a commitment to leadership, creativity, and collaboration, we empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to transform industries and build resilient communities worldwide.