The most meaningful learning experiences often happen outside of the classroom.

For Missouri State University entrepreneurship junior Madilynn Cook and management department head Dr. Jason DeBode, those experiences earned recognition through the Honors College Experiential Learning Award. Their collaboration on the Innovation Institute, a new university initiative, demonstrated the value of hands-on learning, innovation and mentorship.

Building something new

Over the spring semester, Cook worked alongside DeBode to research, design and build the foundation for two new programs offered by the institute for future students: the Innovation Scholars program and the Entrepreneurial Mindset minor.

They can pair this minor with their degree and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset. It will give them the tools to apply business concepts to their career of choice.

The project challenged Cook to solve problems without a clear roadmap. While exploring models from other universities, the team focused on creating a program that reflected Missouri State’s unique needs and goals.

“There was a gap between what we found and what we wanted,” Cook said. “So, we had to get creative and use our resources to figure out the best way to make the project come alive.”

The experience gave Cook the opportunity to contribute to a program that will have a lasting impact on future students while strengthening her own professional skills.

Enriching opportunities and experiences

For Cook, experiential learning opportunities have helped her grow both personally and professionally. In addition to her work on the entrepreneurship initiative, she spent a semester studying abroad in Thailand in spring 2025, where she immersed herself in new cultures, languages and perspectives.

The combination of research, program development and international experiences enabled her to connect concepts to real-world applications.

“It was an honor to be recognized for all of the work we’ve been doing in the college,” Cook said. “I was glad to know that people understand what we’re creating and support it fully.”

Hands-on learning

According to DeBode, experiential learning gives students opportunities that traditional classroom instruction cannot always provide.

“There will always be a place for textbooks and lectures. However, students often learn better when they apply the things we talk about in class,” he said.

Throughout the project, he and Cook regularly exchanged ideas, tested solutions and adapted as new challenges emerged. The process encouraged creativity and allowed Cook to take ownership of her work while receiving mentorship and support.

DeBode said experiences like these demonstrate how capable students can be when they are trusted with meaningful projects and given the freedom to explore new ideas.

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