East Carolina University (ECU)

The Miller School of Entrepreneurship (MSoE) is a dedicated school within East Carolina University's College of Business in Greenville, North Carolina. Established in 2015 through a $5 million gift from J. Fielding Miller and Kim Grice Miller, it became the first named school of entrepreneurship in North Carolina.

The Miller School prepares students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset through academic instruction, hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement. Its programs equip students with the skills to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and launch successful ventures.

Through initiatives such as the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge, Isley Innovation Hub, and Crisp Small Business Resource Center, the school prepares students to take an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset into their communities.

The Miller School of Entrepreneurship brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds who share an interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, students develop entrepreneurial skills and gain opportunities to turn ideas into real world ventures.

Students participate in entrepreneurial activities through initiatives such as the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge, RISE29, and Accelerate Rural NC. The Miller School also supports student organizations, including the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO), which provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, leadership development, and collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs.

At ECU, “everyone loves being a Pirate.” One student describes Pirate Nation: “The ECU student body is diverse, welcoming, and community-oriented. My peers come from many backgrounds, including a large number of first-generation and in-state students, which creates a supportive and down-to-earth environment.” Students also share a “strong sense of school pride and collaboration. Students are driven, but they genuinely support one another and value service, leadership, and real-world impact.” Another student concurs, highlighting “how supportive students are of each other, especially in health-related majors. People are willing to help, share advice, and lift each other up instead of competing.” Similarly, another student describes their peers as “a giant body of spirited, social butterflies.” Some credit the large student body with enhancing this effect, “because it seems that everyone here knows that there are so many different people that all have their own interests and accept that.” As a result, the campus vibe is “very open and friendly…I can always find someone to hang out with, play games, go out to town, or just have a good time at the dorms,” says one student. Overall, Pirates enjoy “awesome school spirit” in the form of “a collaborative environment where students genuinely want to help each other succeed.”

East Carolina offers “a great balance between working hard to get that degree…while also being able to have a good time with good friends.” It is “a major frat and sorority school,” and students speak highly of the opportunities that it provides, whether that’s volunteering in the community or holding executive positions. Those within and without Greek life suggest that it’s “super inclusive and feels like home,” with one noting, “you don’t have to be in it to enjoy it or go to events. Everyone is welcomed no matter what.” Another big communal activity: “sports…especially football,” but never at the expense of academic success. “Tailgating is something we are very good at, but so is research. The great spectrum between crazy party school and good education opportunities is amazing.” Another student agrees, saying, “We love our football and bond over going out downtown! We also prioritize our school and strive to be able to make good grades while having fun!” All told, being involved socially on the campus lets students “meet people, build confidence, and feel more connected to ECU, beyond just academics.”