Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development

The purpose of the William P. Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development is to facilitate opportunities in enterprise development for the local community, Grace College students, faculty, employees, and alumni. The Institute, under the umbrella of the School of Business, will engage in education, applied learning projects, internships, coaching, and student business consulting, with the aim of applying Biblical principles for enterprise outreach, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Opportunities and outreach will be provided through engagement of “Business-as-Mission” projects serving the local community, fostering the Grace College values, and the mission of strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service.

The institute functioned in the exploratory and planning phase under the direction of Professor Bill Gordon, who was the institute’s visionary from its onset.

The institute functioned in the exploratory and planning phase under the direction of Professor Bill Gordon, who was the institute’s visionary from its onset. Grace College president, Dr. Ron Manahan, officially announced and named the Institute during Commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2009 as the William P. Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development. At that time, Tim Ziebarth was named the Institute’s director. Tim served as director until he was named director of Online Education in August 2011. Alan Grossnickle directed the Institute from 2011-2021 adding the Executive Forum, the Business Plan Competition, and Entrepreneurship training for the local community. Upon his retirement in 2021, Melissa Chappell became the Director until Rick Koontz assumed the directorship in the fall of 2023.

Strategic Goals:

1. Student Engagement
2. Community Engagement
3. Alumni Engagement

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Questions?

Email Dr. Richard Koontz or call (574) 372-5100, ext. 6311