Ken Szymusiak is Managing Director of Academic Programs for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (IEI) at Michigan State University. The Burgess institute is charged with developing and supporting entrepreneurship within the student body of Michigan State University through the development of curriculum, events, and entrepreneurial support structures. Additionally, Ken teaches courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels focused on entrepreneurial mindset, small business creation and management, and business model development. Ken received his MBA from Northwood University and his Bachelors in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University. He also serves as faculty advisor for the MSU Entrepreneurship Association, MSU Design for America, and Phi Chi Theta professional business fraternity.

Prior to joining MSU, Ken served as Co-Director of the New Economy Division at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) where he co-managed a technology focused business incubator and worked to develop a culture of entrepreneurship in the greater Lansing region. Ken and his wife, Kristin, were also owners of a successful retail business which they sold after seven years of operation.