What happens when a university deliberately syncs its curriculum with the demands of the local marketplace? You get an economic engine that powers local industries, launches thriving startups, and builds a sustainable regional workforce.
In this episode of CBC Connect, from the brand-new podcast recording studio inside Pound Hall at Valdosta State University (VSU) we sit down with Dr. Guclu Atinc, the Dean of the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.
With an international background spanning corporate trade, construction, banking internal auditing, and strategic management, Dr. Atinc offers a fascinating perspective on how academia and the business sector must work together to build stronger communities.
Preparing Leaders for the Real World
The Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration serves approximately 1,300 students and boasts AACSB accreditation—the highest standard a business school can achieve globally. Furthermore, its accounting program was recently elevated to the standalone School of Accountancy.
However, what truly sets the college apart is its emphasis on experiential learning.
"Our students are not just sitting in the classroom," Dr. Atinc notes. "They're participating in internships, managing real investment portfolios, competing in business competitions, and working directly with businesses."
A prime example is VSU's Financial Trading Center, where students manage a real-money investment portfolio. What began as a $35,000 fund in 2012 has grown under student management to over $400,000.
What role does Valdosta State University play in South Georgia’s economic growth?
Valdosta State University acts as a primary catalyst for regional workforce development, economic growth, and community engagement. By closely collaborating with local employers like CBC Bank to track in-demand skills, VSU prepares thousands of graduates to fill essential roles as regional business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs.
What is the J. Donald Lee Entrepreneurship Center at VSU?
The J. Donald Lee Entrepreneurship Center, located inside Pound Hall at VSU, is a state-of-the-art innovation hub equipped with a podcast studio, a videography green room, a professional social media zone, and a 3D printing room. Free and open to both students and members of the public from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, the center supports aspiring business owners with workspace, specialized equipment, and an annual $20,000 business plan competition.
The Skills That Matter Today
When consulting with his business advisory board, Dr. Atinc hears a consistent message: technical skills are vital, but employers are desperate for critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
To stay ahead of the curve, the college continuously evolves its curriculum such as introducing a newly restructured technology and AI course this year.
Defining the "Entrepreneurial Mindset"
For Dr. Atinc, entrepreneurship isn't strictly about starting a new company.
"If you look at the book definition, it’s simply identifying opportunities and creating value. But I have my own definition: challenging the status quo. Everything we see around here happened because somebody challenged the status quo at one point."
Every forward-thinking company, from a local community bank to a healthcare system, needs individuals who can solve problems creatively, innovate, and adapt. This entrepreneurial mindset is the cornerstone of what VSU instills across its business degrees.
Open to the Public: Bring Your Business to VSU
One of the most exciting revelations of the episode is that the J. Donald Lee Entrepreneurship Center is fully open to the South Georgia community free of charge. Local business owners and residents can utilize the professional media rooms, record content, leverage the ideation spaces, or run models on the 3D printer.
"In order for us to ask something from our community, we need to give something first," says Dr. Atinc. "If a great business comes out of this center, we would be the most proud."
Listen to the Full Conversation
Listen or watch the full episode to learn more.
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