Welcoming Jaclyn McVey Back to the Wolfpack

At NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE), students are not just learning business principles — they are developing entrepreneurial mindsets that serve them for life. Few embody this spirit more than Jaclyn McVey, a 2022 graduate and former student marketing assistant whose journey through NC State IE shaped both her career and personal passions.

Today, Jaclyn is proof that entrepreneurship is not just for multi-million-dollar startups — it is for small business owners, intrapreneurs and side hustlers who bring innovation into any industry. We are excited to welcome her back to the IE team as the marketing and communications coordinator. 

From Student to Staff: A Path Built on Innovation

Jaclyn’s entrepreneurial journey started long before she arrived at NC State. Growing up, she envisioned herself as a horse trainer while dreaming up business ideas — from equine services to dietary-friendly cookie shops. But when she first joined NC State as a Spring Connect student in 2019, she wasn’t fully aware of the opportunities available through IE.

She later enrolled in EI 201: Exploring Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Thinking, taught by Jennifer Capps. The class introduced Jaclyn to a new way of thinking — one that validated her ambitions in equine business and taught her that entrepreneurship could apply to any career path.

“ I remember thinking this could get me started. I LOVED that class — and Jenn — so much. The class was engaging, fun and made me think. Jenn was the best! Her excitement for class and entrepreneurship was electric.”

After discovering IE, Jaclyn fully immersed herself in the program, eventually joining the team as a student marketing assistant in January 2021. Under the mentorship of Monica Smith, she developed marketing expertise in: 

• Social media strategy 

• Email marketing 

• Blog writing and SEO 

• Website development 

• Graphic design

Through this role, Jaclyn not only strengthened IE’s outreach and engagement but also became a vital part of the entrepreneurship ambassador community, connecting students to resources, mentorship and opportunities.

After graduation, she dedicated her career to her business, Fonteyn Farms, through the 2022 Miller Fellowship. During the Miller Fellowship, Jaclyn was able to expand her business and grow as an entrepreneur. 

“I spent 6 months with my cohort, which included people from a variety of different disciplines, and we were all starting businesses in different industries. Between the monthly meetups and the monthly skills development, I learned a lot about how to make my business better and be a better entrepreneur.”

Three years later, Jaclyn is still running Fonteyn Farms part-time and working with NC State Entrepreneurship as a staff member. 

“I am currently training two horses, and I provide an equine sports massage service. We started the next big step to build a new barn on family land. This barn will allow me to operate a smaller niche training business while I pursue a full-time career in marketing.”

Why Entrepreneurship Matters for Everyone

Through her journey, Jaclyn champions the idea that entrepreneurship is not just about launching huge ventures — it is about developing the mindset to think creatively, solve problems and lead innovation in any career.

“The coolest thing about entrepreneurship is that you can constantly develop these skills over time,” she shares. “Whether it’s in marketing or agriculture, the mindset applies across industries.”

Her big takeaways for students considering getting involved with NC State IE? 

• You’ll gain critical problem-solving and leadership skills that apply to ANY job. 

• The community support will push you toward opportunities you might not pursue otherwise. 

• Entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses — it is about approaching challenges with creativity and resilience.Jaclyn’s story proves that entrepreneurship belongs to everyone, not just tech founders or corporate leaders. At NC State IE, every student can develop the mindset that drives innovation — no matter where their career takes them.