The Dauch business building at Ashland University holds many resources, its greatest resources, however, are the people that work there. Professor Read Wakefield is indeed one of these resources. He is an incredible resource for anyone looking to start a business. Wakefield is the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. 

He has a quick smile and a messy desk; papers and ideas seem to be scattered all around. That being said the guidance that he offers is invaluable and many of his students will attest to that.

One such student is Alexander McHugh who was quick to mention how influential Wakefield has been in his academic life. McHugh said, “He kind of saw that I had desire for entrepreneurship and he took me under his wing and helped kindle that fire.”

Wakefield believes in the entrepreneurship program here at AU and he does all he can to help it grow. For him, entrepreneurship is much more than just starting a business; it is giving students the ability to solve problems. 

“It is really to take what the students learn from whatever course of study they do and realize that they can recognize opportunities to solve problems that other people have,” says Wakefield. 

He is very committed to his students and this is evidenced by his willingness to start and orchestrate countless programs contributing to student development.

Perhaps the greatest examples of Wakefield’s dedication to the Entrepreneurship program was the role he played in having the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies built at AU. 

He was influential in the building of the Student Entrepreneurship Center, an incredible resource for individuals and groups looking to start any sort of entrepreneurial ventures.      

The Center houses a printer, Apple computer, 3-D printer, and two collaborative work stations. Also there are large white boards and plenty of table space for sketching out ideas. It truly is all about serving the students.

That really is Wakefield’s goal; to serve the students. “It’s really great and it’s really great all that he does here and with the Burton D. Morgan foundation has done in the resources that they have.” McHugh later said. 

Emily Bosley is another student involved in the entrepreneurship program at AU who holds Wakefield in high esteem. 

“He’s has a lot of knowledge about the topic that he’s more than willing to share with students,” said Bosley. 

She is the President of Eagle Entrepreneurs, a group on campus dedicated to helping and connecting students of any major interested in entrepreneurship. 

Wakefield has been a constant supporter of the group, always doing what he can to help them grow.

Working with Eagle Entrepreneurs is just one of the many things Wakefield does in his position. He is also responsible for managing money for student business grants. When asked about some of the possibilities for students Wakefield has quite a list. 

“There are typically 6 to 8 programs per semester that are available to any student on campus,” Wakefield replied. That was not all however, he went on to explain that there are other opportunities available year round to students. “I have a grant program for students who complete a feasibility analysis to give them $500 to help them start their business”, Wakefield said.

In the end Wakefield’s goal is to make sure his students are prepared. “Entrepreneurs are not at all risk takers, it’s all about calculated risk and doing your homework,” said Jake Miller, an entrepreneurship major. 

Wakefield is committed to helping students do that homework. 

“People are good at raising barriers and I’m good at reducing barriers and showing students how to go about and really do something,” said Wakefield. 

It is this talent and desire to help that makes Wakefield such an incrediblely valuable resource.