After ensuring the successful completion of the $40 million ForeverGold campaign, new Associate Vice President for Development Robert Shippey will lead the operation of the Business Incubator at Brenau University.
Shippey, who was previously director of the campaign and senior director of development, said his responsibilities will continue to include initiatives such as major gifts, procurement of art for Brenau’s Permanent Art Collection and planned giving.
“But, with the campaign completed, the administration determined that the responsibility would be mine to oversee the transition and provide leadership for the incubator,” Shippey said.
After managing the transition from Lanier Tech, where the incubator functioned as the Manufacturing and Development Center, Shippey now will oversee the infrastructure development, such as new computers, phones, and additional technology, as well as examining the existing facilities and determining best use of those spaces. The university is also forming an advisory board, which will work with the College of Business & Communication to see how its faculty and students can contribute to and benefit from BIBU.
The purpose of BIBU is twofold: It functions as a business incubator offering professional and creative guidance and support to startups and small businesses. It will also serve as a virtual and actual laboratory, providing practical business experiences and opportunities for social impact for Brenau MBA students and faculty, as well as those in broader disciplines.
