Leible Named Recipient of Douglas C. Greene Award During Global Entrepreneurship Week

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 23, 2010 - As part of the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week at Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. James Stapleton announced Ashley Crockette Leible as the recipient of the 2010 Douglas C. Greene Scholarship Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurialism. 

Stapleton, executive director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and assistant professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, described Leible as having a true entrepreneurial spirit and a positive outlook.  Leible is a senior at Southeast, majoring in management with a focus in entrepreneurship.  As an undergraduate student, she has already launched her first entrepreneurial venture -- a photography business.

“I am so honored to have been chosen for the Entrepreneurship Award,” Leible said. “One thing I will never forget about being part of the Entrepreneurship program at Southeast, is how important it is to remember those who have helped you get where you are today. There is not a single successful person who can honestly say that they made it to the top on their own. They might have had the help of co-workers, advice from friends, encouragement from parents, and love and support from a spouse. I am so, so fortunate and blessed that God placed me among all the people who helped me develop my photography business this far. I cannot wait to see how it will grow in the future."

The Douglas C. Greene Scholarship Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurialism is presented annually to an outstanding student at Southeast Missouri State University in recognition of the individual’s accomplishments in the field of entrepreneurialism through contributions to the education, business and social community.  The scholarship award was created by a generous gift from Douglas and Heather MacDonald Greene.

“Mr. and Mrs. Greene are long time supporters and advisors to our entrepreneurship program and have been very actively involved at Southeast Missouri State University,” said Stapleton.  “The Greene’s have a strong commitment to providing students opportunities for success as witnessed by the support they have provided through scholarships and other resources for the University.”

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Southeast Missouri State University is one of the most comprehensive entrepreneurship-focused university centers in the Midwest, offering a wide array of academic and outreach programs and services, including: innovation development and research; entrepreneurship education, training and mentorship; and business incubation and development services.  The CIE supports Southeast Missouri State University’s strategic priority to advance the region’s economic appeal and strength by accelerating local and regional economic growth and development that improves the quality of lives, communities and businesses in southeast Missouri and the surrounding region.

For more information about the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial support services it offers, visit www.semo.edu/cie.