DKSOE Facilities

Our incubator is a collaborative workspace designed to support students and early-stage ventures as they develop business ideas. Equipped with meeting rooms, coaching areas, and access to experienced mentors, the incubator offers:

• Workshops and Networking Events
• Business Model Development Support
• Runway Program for aspiring student entrepreneurs
• Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program Hub, helping veterans build and launch businesses

The incubator serves as a launchpad, guiding students and entrepreneurs through the challenges of starting and scaling their ventures.

The Makerspace at Lucas Hall is where creativity meets technology. This space is equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology for prototyping, building, and experimenting. Students can access:

• 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, and Vinyl Plotters
• Soldering Stations and Hand Tools
• Guidance from the Makerspace Assistant on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Lab Safety Training through Canvas is required to use the Makerspace, ensuring all users work safely and effectively.

Our classrooms are designed to promote collaboration, hands-on learning, and teamwork. These smart classrooms feature advanced presentation technology, adaptable layouts, and group workstations to enhance the learning experience. Faculty use these spaces for interactive discussions, guest lectures, and student pitch sessions.

The Lucas Hall Computer Lab provides students with access to high-performance computers and software tailored to entrepreneurial and creative needs. In addition to serving students in the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, the lab supports students from the Digital Media Design (DMD) program, offering a space where business and design intersect.

The lab is equipped with:

• Industry-Standard Business Software for planning, modeling, and analysis
• Graphic Design, Video Editing, and Animation Software used by DMD students
• Workstations for Individual or Group Work
• Access to Mentors and Faculty for guidance during lab hours

This lab is essential for students working on financial modeling, business planning, or market research, as well as those developing branding, promotional content, or multimedia projects for their businesses or coursework. It provides a collaborative environment where entrepreneurial students and DMD students can work together to create innovative solutions, blending business strategy with creative design.

The Media Lab at Lucas Hall empowers students to develop high-quality digital content for marketing, branding, and presentations. This versatile space is equipped with:

• Professional Video and Photography Equipment
• Graphic Design Software and Editing Tools
• Green Screens and Audio Recording Setups

Students use the Media Lab to create promotional materials, record pitches, and build engaging content for their businesses.

Lucas Hall houses the offices of the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship's leadership, faculty, and staff, creating a collaborative environment for students, educators, and innovators. Each floor is dedicated to a specific group, ensuring students receive the administrative, entrepreneurial, and creative support they need.

1st Floor – DKSOE Administration and RIFE Staff

The first floor is home to the Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship's administration and the Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship staff. Students can visit these offices to connect with program administrators, schedule meetings with staff, or seek support for their entrepreneurial ventures.

2nd Floor – Entrepreneurship Faculty Offices

The second floor is dedicated to Entrepreneurship faculty, where students receive mentorship and guidance on business modeling, startup development, and other core areas of entrepreneurship. Faculty offices on this floor foster collaboration, support research initiatives, and provide a space for faculty to help students develop their ventures.

3rd Floor – DMD Faculty Offices

The third floor houses the Digital Media Design faculty. This creative hub supports students in areas such as graphic design, video production, and multimedia content creation. With direct access to the Media Lab, faculty and students can seamlessly collaborate on projects that blend entrepreneurship with digital creativity.

The Art in State Buildings Program

As part of the Art in State Buildings Program, a percentage of the construction budget for Lucas Hall was dedicated to commissioning original artwork. This statewide initiative enriches public spaces in educational institutions by integrating art into their environments, fostering creativity and cultural engagement. The sculptures in Lucas Hall are not only visually striking but also serve as symbols of the entrepreneurial spirit, reminding students of the value of ambition, creativity, and collaboration in business ventures.

• “Ball Tower” by Dale Rogers – Located on the 3rd floor and donated by Tom and Shirley Tatro, this metal sculpture embodies movement, energy, and collaboration—qualities essential to entrepreneurship.
• “Dream” by Kevin Barrett – Installed on the 2nd floor and gifted by G. Jeffery Provol, this piece symbolizes the power of dreams and aspirations, aligning with the journey of entrepreneurs who bring their visions to life.

The interactive visual boards in Lucas Hall keep the community informed and celebrate student creativity:

• First Floor Visual Board: Displays important university deadlines, DKSOE events, and key announcements for students and faculty.
• Second and Third Floor Visual Boards: Showcase Digital Media Design (DMD) students’ projects and portfolios, offering an opportunity for entrepreneurial and creative students to collaborate and learn from one another. These exhibits highlight the synergy between business and design, promoting interdisciplinary work.