March 31, 2025
Scott Morris is relentlessly pursuing UMSL’s goal of making the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center a key part of the St. Louis entrepreneurship ecosystem. This semester, UMSL students are fully immersed in the program through structured internships with the Anchor Accelerator founders and mentors. Each of the 13 cohort teams consists of a founder, one or two student interns, and professional mentors. Every Tuesday, founders, mentors, and 20 interns gather for class, with founders working toward an Entrepreneurship Certificate while students participate for credit or as paid interns. Morris leads five modules: Strategy and Culture, Commercial Excellence, Operational Excellence, Entrepreneurial Finance, and Ownership Objectives.
The course mirrors a business growth journey, helping founders like Mackenzie Johnson of Bella’s Pet Products and companies like Missouri Equipment Company refine strategies. Interns, such as UMSL grad student Clayton Bruce and cybersecurity student Etaf Abdallah, gain real-world experience while contributing to business growth. “Maybe they don’t get that first job because of the experience they have in this class, but we’re going to get them promoted faster,” Morris said. “They’re absolutely workforce ready.” The course concludes on April 15.
