Kendall Artz, Director Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise
WHO IS KENDALL ARTZ?
I grew up on a remote cattle ranch in Eastern Montana in the small town of Jordan (pop. 400). It took me a long time to decide what I really wanted to do; which led me first to getting an undergraduate degree in Finance from Montana State University, then an MBA from Arizona State, and finally, a PhD from Purdue. I married my hometown sweetheart, Colene, and we have been blessed to be together for nearly 30 years. We have one daughter, Alona, who lives in Seattle.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?
I started working at Baylor in 1995 and have held a number of different positions. For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about entrepreneurship. At Baylor I had the opportunity to help build a world-class entrepreneurship program when I became the Chair of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (before Entrepreneurship was its own separate department) from 2000 to 2013, and then as Chair of the Entrepreneurship Department from 2013 to 2016. Since 2016, I’ve served as the Director of the Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise and as the Associate Chair of the department. It’s been so rewarding to work with everyone in the Entrepreneurship department to create new and impactful educational opportunities for our students.
WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?
All it takes is a single email or text from a student who graduated a decade ago, telling me what an impact Baylor made in their life, and I am reenergized and reminded of how blessed we all are to have this opportunity.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?
Diadeloso, hands down. It’s an April “holiday” so the weather is usually perfect, not too hot and not too cold. It’s close enough to the end of the semester, but far enough from finals that students, faculty and staff are all relaxed. Plus, since it’s scheduled in the middle of the week, it kind of feels like you’re playing hooky for the day!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?
Launch a business as soon as possible! Set aside excuses and fears and just do it. The initial business may not be successful from a financial point of view, but the lessons learned will be invaluable. The Entrepreneurship department provides fantastic tools like classes and mentoring, but nothing beats actual hands-on experience.
For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.