August 18, 1998
Contact: Jeffron Boynes, (312) 413-8702, [email protected]
UIC NAMED AMONG TOP 10 SCHOOLS FOR GROWING ENTREPRENEURIAL FIELD
For the fourth consecutive year, the entrepreneurial studies institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago has been named one of the best programs of its kind by Success magazine, ranking 10th nationwide.
The rankings, published in the magazine's August issue, are based on curriculum and faculty quality, student support services, student excellence and research. A separate measurement, called the "wow factor," focuses on innovative features.
"Thanks to a healthy U.S. economy, there is a trend toward independent business ownership," said Gerald Hills, founder of UIC's Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies and Coleman/Denton Thorne chair in entrepreneurship. "Our college is at the forefront in encouraging entrepreneurship as a legitimate career path and providing the real-world skills needed for success."
The magazine was impressed with the institute's launch, with support from the Coleman Foundation, of a national Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO!) to establish a network of 20,000 students from 500 campuses.
"UIC ranked high in every category and the 'wow factor' of the CEO! concept was strong," said Elaine Pofeldt, senior editor for the magazine. "That fits the profile of a solid, well-rounded program."
The institute also received the Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Entrepreneurship Award from 1,000 faculty members at the Academy of Management's annual conference this week.
Entrepreneurial studies at UIC is an area of concentration for MBA candidates in the College of Business Administration. Undergraduates earn a certificate in entrepreneurial studies. The Ph.D. program prepares students for teaching careers in entrepreneurship.
The institute sponsors the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. The annual induction event, in its 14th year, is co-sponsored by Lord, Bissell & Brook, LaSalle National Bank, Grant Thornton LLP and William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
UIC also offers an annual research symposium on marketing and entrepreneurship and programs supporting family businesses and minority/women-owned enterprises.
To be eligible for consideration in the annual survey by Success, a school must offer at least three distinct courses in entrepreneurship in its MBA program. The magazine polled 130 business schools across the country and relied on a panel of entrepreneurship experts for the final evaluations.
###
RSS