05/21/2026
The Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation is proud to announce a new cohort of faculty recognized for their commitment to advancing research, education, and impact in the field of entrepreneurship.
Leading this initiative, Dr. Saeed Tabar of the Management Department in the Richards College of Business has been named the inaugural Stone Center Faculty Fellow in Family Business. This three-year appointment, effective July 1, marks a significant milestone for the Stone Center as it expands its focus on supporting family-owned enterprises through research and thought leadership. Dr. Tabar’s work in management and organizational strategy positions him to play a key role in shaping the Center’s future initiatives and engagement with the business community.
In addition to this appointment, the Stone Center has awarded three Entrepreneurship & Innovation Grants, each supporting faculty-led projects that explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and community development. These one-year grants, also effective July 1, reflect the Center’s commitment to fostering innovative ideas that create meaningful impact across Georgia and beyond.
From the Richards College of Business, Dr. Erdal Asker and Dr. Ruslan Galyamov of the Economics Department have been awarded funding for their project titled “School Infrastructure Investment & Local Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Georgia’s ESPLOST Program.” Their research will examine how public investment in education infrastructure influences entrepreneurial activity at the local level.
From the College of Education, Dr. Danilo Baylen has received a grant for his project, “Community Changemakers: Using Design Thinking & LEGO Resources to Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset Among Rural Georgia’s Middle School Students.” His work aims to empower young students with creative problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on learning experiences.
Also from the College of Education, Dr. E. Su Jara-Pazmino has been awarded a grant for “Showcasing UWG Sport Entrepreneurship on the National Stage.” This project will highlight the university’s contributions to sport entrepreneurship and elevate its presence within national conversations in the field.
Together, these faculty members represent a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship at the University of West Georgia. Through research, innovation, and community engagement, they are helping to advance the mission of the Stone Center and the Richards College of Business.
