THE KELLEY CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
EDUCATING LEADERS TO THINK ENTREPRENEURIALLY
FOR DWU STUDENTS
Embrace your innovative side!
Regardless of your major, The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship has something for you.
True entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers are needed in communities, organizations and businesses that want to build a successful future. Be a problem solver, someone who can look at old challenges in new ways, building solutions, and possibly, jobs.
We will provide you with the tools you will need to be ready for the challenges that come your way.
FOR ACTIVE BUSINESSES
Take your organization further!
Regardless of your industry, The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship offers adult and professional training for individuals and teams. Online or in-person training with flexible scheduling will fit your organizations needs. All coursework is designed for the adult learner with topics including conflict management, emotional intelligence, and coaching and mentoring in the workplace.
Want to support your employees? Let the Kelley Center assist with individual degree completion, graduate-level courses, and power skill training.
The Leadership Accelerator
When you promote your best staff to supervisory roles, they have the technical skills they need to be successful. We can help them develop the leadership skills that will make their transition to that next level effective and efficient. The accelerator program is geared for new managers as well as those with years of experience in leadership. Enrollment is limited to 9 participants per session.
Registration for Fall 2026 is now open. Class size limited to 9 for personalized attention and focus on each participant. Find details here.
Dates of the sessions are
- Orientation – Aug. 26
- Leadership and Communication – Sept. 2, 9, and 16
- Coaching and Mentoring – Sept. 30, Oct. 7, and 14
- Transformational Conflict – Oct. 28, Nov. 4, and 11
Want to register and pay your registration fee? Find our convenient registration and payment form here.
Business Participants
We are proud to recognize the businesses that have participated in the Leadership Accelerator, which is shaping positive change and fostering leadership development.
- Boyd's Gun Stocks
- City of Mitchell (Mayor’s Office)
- CorTrust Bank
- County Fair
- Etria
- Hendrickson
- Klockwerks
- Krohmer Plumbing
- Mitchell Chamber of Commerce
- Plains Commerce Bank
- Safe Place of Eastern SD
- SD Soybean Processors – High Plains Processing
- Trail King
- Twin City Fan
Entrepreneurs in Residence
The Kelley Center’s Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) program connects Dakota Wesleyan University students with active leaders who model innovation in real time.
An Entrepreneur in Residence demonstrates venture creation, creativity, and risk-taking. An Intrapreneur in Residence models innovation and change leadership within established organizations.
This dual approach reflects DWU’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial mindsets across business, nonprofit, and civic spheres.
Now in its fifth year, the program brings working professionals to campus multiple times annually to engage with students, share real-world experiences, and provide mentorship.
Jessica Callies
Jessica Callies
2026 Entrepreneur in Residence
Director, 401 Create by LifeQuest
Owner/Artist, J Cal Design
Jessica Callies is a business owner and artist who has built a creative enterprise while driving public art initiatives in Mitchell. Through murals and design projects, her work has elevated community identity and demonstrated how passion and creativity can scale into sustainable enterprise.
Elizabeth Luczak
Elizabeth Luczak
2026 Intrapreneur in Residence
Executive Director, Mitchell Main Street & Beyond
Elizabeth Luczak leads downtown revitalization initiatives and builds strategic partnerships among city government, businesses, and nonprofits. Her leadership exemplifies intrapreneurship by introducing innovative programs and strengthening impact within an established organization. Students gain insight into stakeholder management, strategic vision, and change leadership through her experience.
What Students Are Saying
“Hearing from the Entrepreneur/Intrapreneur in Residence gave me a better understanding of what business actually looks like outside the classroom. It connected what we’re learning in class to real experiences and made the career path feel more realistic and approachable.”
“Buster is an excellent speaker who engages a group with his constantly moving personality. Taking a risk has always been my biggest takeaway when he speaks. Jumping in with both feet as an optimist and being willing to fail is key.”
Past Entrepreneurs in Residence
2025 – Buster Vincent
2024 – Ashley Kingdon Reese
2023 – Laura Klock
FOR START-UPS
Your dream starts today!
The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship is the local site for the South Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which offers free business consulting services to students and community members.
This partnership allows new entrepreneurs to realize their dream of becoming a business owner or keeping their existing businesses on the cutting edge.
Our SBDC outreach provides professional, confidential and no-cost business consulting.
For more information about the South Dakota SBDC call 605-665-0751 or visit sdbusinesshelp.com.
Let’s talk.
Start your journey into innovation by visiting with the director of The Kelley Center.
