Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation (CLEI)
"Inspiring innovation through education"
Imagine going to work every day and doing something you feel a calling to do. The Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation (CLEI) is committed to helping students discover that passion and providing them with the know-how needed to turn their ideas into viable business innovations.
Established in 2003, CLEI offers students real-world learning experiences and access to successful business leaders across a range of disciplines. Entrepreneurial-minded students are empowered to pursue their ideas while learning creative problem solving, collaborative teamwork, organizational leadership, market analysis and strategic planning. Underpinning all these educational experiences is a solid foundation in the skills that will be vital to them as future leaders and innovators.
Contact Information
Justin vanBlaricom
CLEI Director
vanblaricom@roanoke.edu
Programs
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Each month during the academic year, a local or national entrepreneur shares his or her experiences with students during a Q&A panel. Speakers use their experiences to teach and encourage students who have a desire to pursue entrepreneurial passions.
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This student organization is focused on helping like-minded, future entrepreneurs connect and share ideas. Chapters of CEO are on over 200 campuses throughout North America.
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In the style of “Shark Tank,” this contest gives students of all majors the chance to develop a business plan and present it to a team of judges from the business community. The winning pitches are rewarded with cash prizes.
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Created in partnership with the City of Salem, this event tasks students with developing a quick-turnaround presentation offering innovative solutions to an issue facing city leaders. Cash prizes are presented to the winning teams.
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This annual event brings a national figure to campus to share their insights on leadership, perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit. It also includes the presentation of student scholarships.
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Each year, a successful entrepreneur is given the symbolic title of Entrepreneur in Residence. That person engages with Roanoke students in a variety of ways from guest speaking to mentoring.
Meet The Director
Justin vanBlaricom, a Roanoke College alumnus, graduated with a business administration degree in 2004 and went on to co-found a thriving venture after spotting the potential in an emerging new phenomenon: van life.
Noke Van Co., which vanBlaricom is CEO of, creates custom camper vans to serve the growing market of people who yearn to live the life of an adventure-seeking wanderer out on the open road. The enterprise was named New Small Business of the Year by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber of Commerce praised the company for its unique vision and success in building its business from the ground up. "Their story is one of inspiration, resilience, and a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our vibrant community," it said.
News
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Welcome to The Pitch, an annual “Shark Tank”-style competition that invites competitors to pitch a business idea to a panel of local leaders.
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Three-time Olympic medalist Kristin Armstrong spoke to students in an event co-sponsored by the Pi Lambda Phi and CLEI Leadership Speaker Series.
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The Salem Civic Challenge, a partnership of the CLEI and the city, tasks students with developing innovative solutions for a real-world issue facing local leaders.
