UD’s Growing Reputation in Entrepreneurship Education

3 min read

The University of Delaware has once again solidified its status as a top entrepreneurship school, moving up in the rankings of The Princeton Review’s annual list for 2024. For the fifth year in a row, UD has positioned itself as a leading institution for entrepreneurship education, impressively climbing to 31st place in comparison to last year’s 33rd ranking.

Engaging with UD’s entrepreneurship programs at the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and Horn Entrepreneurship, students like Nicholai Williamson have found the encouragement and guidance to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Williamson, originally from Jamaica, was drawn to UD specifically for its strong entrepreneurship programs and has since become deeply involved in developing a new venture, embracing the concept that failure is an integral part of the learning process.

According to Dean Oliver Yao of the Lerner College, Horn Entrepreneurship is more than just a program at UD – it is a catalyst for innovation. The college boasts a rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and outstanding students, contributing significantly to UD’s success in the top entrepreneurship university rankings. In alignment with this, The Princeton Review assesses various factors in their rankings, including enrollment, faculty resources, mentoring opportunities, and the success of alumni ventures.

Horn Entrepreneurship provides a multitude of options, offering an entrepreneurship major, several minors, and cross-disciplinary certificates across all colleges at UD. With over 1,700 students from 100 different majors participating in Horn’s programs last year, the institution has demonstrated a commitment to providing accessible and relevant offerings to its diverse student body.

However, entrepreneurship at UD is not just about starting new businesses; it involves nurturing a mindset and skill set for creative problem solving and innovation. The emphasis is on developing the means to make a positive impact in the world, whether through businesses, social ventures, policies, or new processes. Students are encouraged to think creatively, an approach that has already seen success stories emerge from UD, such as Williamson’s development of the app BonaFyde.

BonaFyde, Williamson’s brainchild, is aimed at helping international students connect with universities, providing crucial information beyond academics. His vision is to create a platform that enables prospective students worldwide to make informed decisions about their education, blending academic and lifestyle considerations. With the support of Horn, Williamson reached the finals of UD’s premier startup funding competition, Hen Hatch, and successfully secured funding for BonaFyde.

Williamson’s story reflects the ethos of entrepreneurship education at UD, where students are equipped with the skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and enterprise. By offering hands-on experiences, the program allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and understand the complexities of the business world, ultimately shaping them into valuable creators and leaders.

Through Horn Entrepreneurship, individuals like Nicholai Williamson are empowered to embrace innovation, create change, and lead in a rapidly evolving world.

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