The Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University has made significant strides in the past six years, moving up from being ranked 47th to 30th in the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 50 undergraduate entrepreneurship programs. This accomplishment is a testament to the school’s dedication to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among its students and preparing them for successful careers in the business world.
Established almost a decade ago with a generous $5 million gift from Fielding and Kim Miller, the Miller School has become a regional hub for entrepreneurship education. The school’s programming and investments have created a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus, attracting additional investors and supporters. College of Business Dean Mike Harris describes the Millers’ gift as transformational, highlighting the impact it has had on student success and regional transformation.
The Miller School’s success has not gone unnoticed, as it was recently awarded the Model Emerging Award by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. This recognition, along with the school’s continued growth and development, caught the attention of the Princeton Review, leading to its improved ranking in the 2025 lists.
One of the key initiatives at the Miller School is the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, which was recently renamed the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge thanks to a $3.2 million gift from the Aman family. This generous donation has increased the challenge’s impact on campus and raised the total prize winnings to over $1 million since its inception in 2017. The challenge has attracted students from various majors and has become a highlight of the school’s entrepreneurial programs.
The Isley Innovation Hub, funded by Van and Jennifer Isley, provides a space for aspiring entrepreneurs to collaborate and create. The 15,000 square foot facility has welcomed over 50,000 visitors since its opening in 2022 and has become a central hub for entrepreneurship activities at the Miller School. Additionally, the Crisp Small Business Resource Center continues to support small businesses and economic development in the region.
With more than 30 undergraduate majors enrolling in entrepreneurship classes annually and pursuing entrepreneurship certificates, the Miller School is making a significant impact on campus. The school’s commitment to growth and innovation is evident in its plans to add more faculty, name a new director, and potentially start a graduate certificate program in the future.
Fielding Miller, CEO, chairman, and co-founder of CAPTRUST, acknowledges the school’s progress and its reputation as one of the leading entrepreneurship programs in the country. With a goal of being ranked among the top 25 programs nationally, the Miller School is on track to achieve even greater success in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University has established itself as a national model for entrepreneurship education. Through strategic investments, innovative programming, and a commitment to student success, the school continues to make a significant impact on campus and in the business community. As it looks towards the future, the Miller School is poised to further elevate its reputation and solidify its position as a top-tier entrepreneurship program.
