Carthage receives sub-award to lead pilot in National Entrepreneurial Mindset Behaviors Initiative

Carthage College received a sub-award to implement a 2025 institutional pilot project titled: “Using Reflection as a Tool to Observe Entrepreneurial Mindset (EM) Behaviors.”

The project is part of a larger initiative supported by the Kern Family Foundation aimed at identifying and assessing observable EM behaviors in undergraduate engineering education.

This initiative is led by professors John Estell (Ohio Northern University), DeAnna Leitzke (Milwaukee School of Engineering), and Kurt Paterson (Arizona State University). Their multi-institutional collaboration brings together a network of faculty committed to improving engineering education through innovative, mindset-focused approaches.

Carthage’s project proposal was developed following participation in the EM Observable Behaviors Workshop. Representing Carthage were professors Jessica Lavorata, Ross Crowley, and Robert Nagel, who collaborated with teams from Colorado School of Mines, University of Dayton, Elizabethtown College, Arizona State University, Montana State University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Each participating team was given an opportunity to submit a proposal for a 2025 institutional pilot project. 

The Carthage team proposed the development and implementation of a reflection-based framework that helps students identify and internalize EM behaviors such as creating value, embracing failure, adapting to change, and integrating diverse perspectives. Their approach leverages Carthage’s existing strengths in reflective practice, including the campus-wide Reflection Toolkit.

Set to launch in fall 2025, the pilot will span all four academic years of the engineering program. Students will engage in structured reflection activities designed to connect their classroom learning to the eight EM behaviors. Faculty will assess the reflections using developmental rubrics, supporting both instructional improvement and deeper student metacognition.

The project team includes Prof. Lavorata, Prof. Crowley, and Prof. Nagel, with Professor Tony Barnhart (Psychological Science Department) serving as senior personnel. 

All findings, materials, and assessment tools will be shared via Engineering Unleashed and presented at the 2026 KEEN National Conference. The Carthage pilot is intended to be scalable across STEM disciplines and transferable to institutions seeking to embed EM into their curricula.

This recognition highlights Carthage’s role in advancing student-centered engineering education and reflects the strength of Carthage’s collaborative, project-based, reflective learning environment.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Engineering Department