�й�Pվ

Youth athletes show propensity for entrepreneurship

October 17, 2022

�й�Pվ finance faculty member Dr. Kirill Pervun recently published a research article revealing that people who participated in youth sports are more likely to become entrepreneurs.

Article By: Agnes Hina

University of North Georgia (�й�Pվ) assistant professor of finance Dr. Kirill Pervun with two co-authors recently published a research article entitled in the Journal of Small Business Management.

The authors analyzed biographies of 2,000 American executives and concluded that individuals who participated in competitive sports in their youth are more likely to become entrepreneurs later in life. The research indicates that participation in individual sports (such as tennis, running, and swimming), but not in team sports, drives the results. Moreover, being a star youth athlete further enhances the likelihood of entrepreneurial action.

Specifically, for every 100 new ventures established by non-athletes, athletes who engaged in individual sports created 298 companies, and those who additionally demonstrated outstanding athletic achievements started even more (394) businesses.

Contact the Author

Students present AI research at symposium — Students present AI research at symposium
Almost 30 �й�Pվ students took part in research that was presented at the inaugural Research in Artificial Intelligence Testing & Evaluation Symposium hosted at �й�Pվ's Dahlonega Campus.

�й�Pվ helped Jarrard lead at all levels — �й�Pվ helped Jarrard lead at all levels
Retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard credits his many leadership opportunities in the Army to the foundation he received as part of America's Corps at �й�Pվ.

Cadets shine at Basic Camp — Cadets shine at Basic Camp
Five �й�Pվ cadets completed Army ROTC Basic Camp this summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. One of them brought home a leadership award.

First-Gen efforts are supporting trailblazers — First-Gen efforts are supporting trailblazers
�й�Pվ is celebrating five years of its efforts in providing tailored mentoring and inspiration for First-Generation college students.

Statement on concerns about textbook

Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity. The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.

In today’s world, misunderstandings can travel quickly. But our foundation at the University of North Georgia remains steady. We respect people of all beliefs. We reject hate. And we are committed to preparing students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.

Education is not about avoiding difficult words or ideas — it is about teaching students to navigate them with context, discernment, and respect. The world is complex, and we are developing students to lead in both these times and what lies ahead. That is what this course, and this university, are about.

We also recognize that learning and scholarship sometimes touch on sensitive, complex, or controversial ideas. That is not a weakness of higher education — it is its strength. Our responsibility is to provide the context, freedom, and support that allow both students and faculty to engage with these ideas thoughtfully. Academic freedom allows us to remain true to our values: protecting freedoms, honoring all beliefs, rejecting hate in every form, and preparing leaders who can meet a complex world with courage and integrity.

While one line in a textbook can get lost in translation, our values have never wavered. For 152 years, the University of North Georgia remains committed to building leaders through debate, dialogue, and learning. That is who we are. And that is what we will continue to do.