East Carolina University (ECU)

The Miller School of Entrepreneurship (MSOE) is a dedicated school within ECU's College of Business. Established in 2015, it is the first named school of entrepreneurship in North Carolina, made possible by a $5 million gift by J. Fielding Miller and Kim Grice Miller. The Miller School of Entrepreneurship serves as a regional hub for preparing students to take an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset into their communities.

The Miller School of Entrepreneurship has seen rapid growth, with enrollment increasing nearly 300 percent in recent years.

Students are engaged in a wide range of entrepreneurial activities and groups. These include the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge (formerly the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge), RISE29, Accelerate Rural NC, and the Summer Innovation Academy. MSOE is also home to the CEO Club (Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization), which connects students with peers, mentors, and entrepreneurial leaders while fostering innovation, networking, and professional development.

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.”