The Matthews Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southern University will significantly impact the startup ecosystem by providing essential support to new businesses. The Center will help entrepreneurial companies survive and thrive during their formative years, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic business environment. By offering specialized services and resources, the Center will play a crucial role in the growth and success of innovative ventures, strengthening the overall entrepreneurial landscape at Southern University.

Southern University alumnus and Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) Trustee Irving Matthews has gifted $1M to expand programming creating the Southern University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. The gift will also provide seed funding for the construction of a new state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot building that will house the Center’s operations.

In recognition of his gift, the Center will be named the Matthews Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His philanthropic efforts benefitting Southern University spans three decades totaling $916K. With this gift, Matthews’ lifetime giving to Southern will exceed $2M.

“I believe that the long-term success of Southern University is tied to the support it receives from the students that attended the University,” Matthews said. “It is imperative that all alums give back to the University that has given so much to them. Southern has been there for us, so let’s keep it around for future generations. I will forever be committed to giving back to my cherished alma mater.”

The current Southern University Innovation Center is a collaboration between the Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) and Southern University and A&M College. In 2012, the SUSF received an award of $1.2 million from the Economic Development Administration to construct the Innovation Center at Southern. The Innovation Center nurtures the development of entrepreneurial companies, helping them survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. These programs provide their client companies with business support services and resources tailored to young firms.