Samford University’s Brock School of Business officially unveiled a new student lab on Oct. 28. Located on the first floor of Cooney Hall, the Titus/UFG Innovation Lab serves as the new home of the Samford Startup program, offering a modern, collaborative space where student entrepreneurs can turn ideas into reality.
The grand opening event brought together industry professionals, community partners and Samford Startup students to celebrate this new chapter of innovation. Guests heard remarks from Samford President Beck A. Taylor, Brock School of Business interim dean Marci Johns, former dean Chad Carson, Samford Startup faculty adviser Matt Mazzei, and Samford Startup students Luke Ferris and Grayson Birch. Each speaker highlighted how the space will advance Samford’s mission to inspire innovation grounded in faith and purpose.
Ferris and Birch, both active participants in the Samford Startup program, shared how the new lab has helped them collaborate, test ideas and grow their business, Cleanr Windows. “It has been amazing to have a dedicated space for the Startup program. The innovation lab has created an environment where innovative thinking and community can thrive,” said Birch. Their stories highlight how Samford students are already using the lab to turn classroom learning into real-world experience.
“Samford sets itself apart as a growing, comprehensive Christ-centered university with rigorous, relevant and innovative academic programs designed to equip our graduates for meaningful lives and lasting success,” said Samford University President Beck Taylor. “The lab we celebrate today represents Samford’s commitment to giving students every opportunity to learn, experiment and lead as they prepare for exciting careers.”
Designed to foster creativity and collaboration, the Titus/UFG Innovation Lab features coworking areas, soundproof call booths and meeting spaces that encourage connection and productivity. The space provides students with resources and mentorship opportunities to launch and grow their ventures through the Samford Startup program.
The lab is named in honor of Ray Titus and Andrew Titus ’19 of United Franchise Group (UFG), whose vision and generosity made the project possible. As a global leader in franchise development and entrepreneurship, UFG has empowered thousands of business owners across the world.
“Our family has always been passionate about helping entrepreneurs run or start their own business,” said Andrew Titus. “With more than 40 years in the franchising industry, we have helped hundreds of people open their own business as well as turn their business into a franchise. By supporting Samford students to follow their dreams, we believe we are playing a bigger role in helping foster the next generation of business leaders to contribute to the U.S. economy.”
“We hope it encourages more students to embrace business ownership,” Titus continues. “More postgraduate students are turning to business ownership as they want flexible hours, potential bigger rewards and most importantly, to make a difference in their local communities. If we can provide an environment for Samford students, we believe we can get closer to them achieving this.”
Mazzei shared his excitement for how the new space is already impacting Samford students. “This space truly has been a blessing. Our students are actively using the Titus/UFG Innovation Lab for fellowship and to work on their businesses,” he said. “We hold weekly meetings, host guest speakers and conduct pitch competitions. We look forward to expanding our programs to deliver workshops and other events in the future to increase the number of students we can engage annually. The Titus/UFG Innovation Lab has quickly become a campus space for creativity, community, learning and productivity.
“We are so very thankful to United Franchise Group and the Titus family for their generous gift, which will support this learning lab and experiential programs for generations of students,” he continued. “We also thank the many others who have given to support entrepreneurship on this campus over the years, including Alan and Dina Long and the Brock family. There is more to be done, and we are excited to see how this gift can continue transforming students, creating opportunities for them to learn business by doing business.”
The Titus/UFG Innovation Lab reflects the Brock School of Business’ ongoing commitment to experiential learning and entrepreneurship education. The new space empowers the next generation of business leaders to make meaningful contributions in Alabama and beyond and stands as a testament to Samford’s national recognition by The Wall Street Journal as No. 3 in career preparation and No. 7 in student learning opportunities.
