The TCU Entrepreneurship Program in Neeley School of Business is comprised of the department and institute, both of which collaborate to provide a dynamic integration of research and practical application. The program’s achievements were recently recognized by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE).
February 24, 2025
By Alexandria Salinas
During the annual conference for the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), Texas Christian University was awarded the 2025 National Model Program Award for Large Institutions. This recognition highlights the strategic collaborative approach of connecting industry, faculty research that generates new insights, and rigorous classroom instruction, a hallmark of the TCU’s entrepreneurship programs led by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department.
The USASBE National Model Program Award reaffirms TCU’s role as a beacon of excellence in entrepreneurship education. TCU has distinguished itself through a unique blend of academic research and practical, real-world applications, equipping students with the vital skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive business environment.
This year marks the 25th year of TCU Neeley School of Business’s entrepreneurship program, which has developed an award-winning reputation during that time. The program previously received the National Model Program Award in 2011, and now again 2025. The program was also honored with the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Nasdaq Center of Entrepreneurial Excellence Award in 2003 and again in the fall of 2024.
David Minor ’80, an alumnus, entrepreneur, investor and the founding director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is impressed but not surprised to see the program’s development over the years.
“It's incredible and humbling to see how what started as just an idea and was a true entrepreneurial endeavor 25 years ago has blossomed into something so exceptional,” Minor said. “Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to everyone whose hard work, vision, and collaboration have made this achievement and the ongoing success of the program possible.”
TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini and President Daniel W. Pullin have long championed the university's efforts to lead the way in entrepreneurial education. Their visionary leadership has established a fertile ground for the university to flourish among industry standouts, nurturing an environment of creativity and innovation that stretches across TCU’s campus and beyond.
For Rodney D’Souza, the executive director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Davis Family Entrepreneur in Residence, expanding opportunities for students provides more opportunities to connect and nurture success.
“Our cross-campus initiatives engage students from every discipline, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that transcends business alone. Through immersive co-curricular programs, mentorship, and deep community engagement, we empower students to build ventures that are both financially viable and socially meaningful,” D’Souza said.
Will Drover, chair of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, emphasizes the transformative impact of TCU’s entrepreneurship program, which is built on a foundation of research-driven learning, hands-on experience, and community engagement.
“Our approach ensures that students gain evidence-based insights by integrating cutting-edge faculty research into both curriculum and practice, enhancing their decision-making and ability to innovate in dynamic markets. By combining this research-driven foundation with experiential learning, mentorship, and deep community engagement, we equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to navigate the complexities of launching and managing successful ventures. The mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources we provide create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation and instills an entrepreneurial spirit in every student,” Drover said.
In addition, the entrepreneurship development extends beyond mere profit generation. It’s also is grounded in a commitment to social responsibility, encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurial ventures that achieve success in many forms, said Keith Hmieleski, the Robert and Edith Schumacher Executive Faculty Fellow in Innovation and Technology and professor of entrepreneurship.
“At TCU, our entrepreneurship program is built on the foundation that success is not solely measured by financial returns, but by the positive impact ventures create in their communities and the world. We take pride in developing purpose-driven entrepreneurs who balance profit with social good, ensuring their ventures align with ethical leadership and responsible innovation,” said Hmieleski.
