University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Adds Staff

COLUMBIA, Mo., March 17, 2006 — Virginia Wilson, business development specialist with the East Central Region since 1998, has been selected as the MO SBDC counselor for the new University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE) at the University of Missouri-Columbia, which houses the MO SBDC, MO PTAC and MoFAST SBIR/STTR programs. She begins her duties there Monday, March 20. Virginia can be reached at 882-9952.

Bill Karl has joined the University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to serve as the MoFAST SBIR/STTR Specialist for central Missouri. Bill owns his own high-technology company and previously worked at 3M. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and will complete his PhD in physical chemistry later this semester.

Mary Paulsell has been appointed Associate Director/Director of Operations for the University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a position she has held on an interim basis since December. Mary has worked in the state office of the Missouri Small Business Development Centers since 1994, most recently as assistant state director.