Henderson State College of Business announces Tad & Judy Krug Entrepreneurship Institute

Tad and Judy Krug are joined by Dr. Nathan Campbell, left, dean of Henderson's College of Business, and Henderson State Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry, right.

Henderson State University's College of Business announced March 11 the creation of the Tad & Judy Krug Entrepreneurship Institute, a new initiative designed to connect the university with the Arkadelphia business community while giving students hands-on experience launching and growing new ventures.

Made possible through a significant gift from Henderson alumni Tad and Judy Krug, the investment provides both immediate operational funding and a permanent endowment to sustain the institute for generations. Through the program, students will move entrepreneurship beyond the classroom by launching startups, competing in pitch competitions, securing seed funding, and working directly with mentors and regional business leaders.

"The Krug Institute ensures our graduates leave not only with knowledge, but with experience, confidence, and the ability to create opportunities for themselves and others," said Dr. Nathan Campbell, dean of the College of Business. "The institute is designed to be a bridge between Henderson State and the Arkadelphia region.

"Through partnerships with local businesses, economic development organizations, and K-12 schools, we are building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits the entire community."

Campbell said the creation of a named institute signals a long-term commitment.

"It is a permanent investment in innovation, workforce readiness, and economic development," he said. "Through startup bootcamps, pitch competitions, seed funding, and a dedicated institute space inside Mooney Hall aligned with our newly updated Innovation Lab, students will have tangible support to turn ideas into ventures."

"We wanted to help Henderson do something unique by creating a niche or specialty where students will want to come here for it and learn. We're more than happy to make it a reality," said Tad Krug.

"I hope that as time goes on, we can look back years from now and say that it exceeded our expectations."

Henderson State Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry said, "We are deeply grateful to Tad and Judy Krug for their extraordinary generosity and their enduring commitment to the future of our students. The Tad & Judy Krug Entrepreneurship Institute will empower Reddies to transform innovative ideas into real opportunities while strengthening the economic vitality of Arkadelphia and the region.

"Their vision and support ensure that Henderson students will continue to learn, lead, and build businesses that make a lasting impact for generations to come."

Tad Krug is co-founder and past chairman/CEO of Ramsey, Krug, Farrell & Lensing. He was inducted into the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame. He initiated KingdomCorp, a mentoring group for young businessmen.

Krug graduated from Henderson in 1962. He was inducted into the College of Business Hall of Fame and is a member of the Reddie Hall of Honor. He also served on the HSU Foundation Board of Directors.

The Krugs have contributed to Henderson State for 36 years and funded the Tad and Judy Krug Business Scholarship Endowment.