University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and the Zell Lurie Institute Named a Top Graduate Program in Entrepreneurship for the Sixth Consecutive Year

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business today was nationally recognized for its visionary leadership, continuing innovation and high standard of excellence in entrepreneurship education. The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine named the Institute the No. 4 Graduate Program in Entrepreneurship in the U.S., in a joint ranking of the top 25 graduate entrepreneurship programs for 2016. This marks the sixth consecutive year the Institute has placed among the top five graduate programs in the nation. In addition, the University of Michigan was named the No. 7 program for undergraduate entrepreneurship education.

"As interest in entrepreneurship grows at a rapid pace, we at Michigan Ross are here to help students learn and determine if entrepreneurship is the right choice for them," said Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. "The Zell Lurie Institute provides a number of world-class courses, programs, internships, and competitions that are a critical part of that process. Our focus on action-based learning, and the opportunity to manage real funds, develop real projects and interact with mentors who are successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists themselves is what sets Ross apart."

The Zell Lurie Institute plays a formative role in the University's thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurship education through its ongoing development of robust programming, comprehensive coursework, experiential learning and professional mentoring at Michigan Ross. The Institute's cross-campus collaboration with the College of Engineering's Center for Entrepreneurship has created valuable synergies and supported the launch and operation of the jointly managed TechArb student start-up business incubator and the new Desai Family Accelerator. Working with strategic partners at the University and in the business community, the Institute also has developed an impressive platform of annual symposia spanning entrepreneurial business, venture capital and private-equity investment that engages students with leading alumni, serial entrepreneurs, business practitioners and investors. In July 2015, the Zell Lurie Institute received a pledge of $60 million from the Zell Family Foundation, which provides additional endowed support for the continued delivery and development of entrepreneurship programs for students and alumni.

"What sets us apart year after year is our commitment to pushing the boundaries of entrepreneurship education and delivering the action-based learning experiences that prepare our students for career success, whether they are launching a start-up venture, driving innovation in an established company or pursuing a pathway in the venture-investment industry," said Stewart Thornhill, executive director of the Zell Lurie Institute.

Since its inception in 1999, Zell Lurie has fostered the growth and enrichment of entrepreneurship education at Ross and across the University campus by awarding nearly $4.4 million in funding and engaging more than 5,500 students through its entrepreneurial program portfolio, which includes four student-led venture funds, Dare to Dream grants for student start-ups and the Michigan Business Challenge. These venues allow students to test and validate business ideas, procure funding at strategic stages of business development, connect and form management teams with their peers and receive coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs and prospective investors.

Michigan Ross has been widely recognized as a national leader in entrepreneurial business education. In addition to The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine ranking, the school earlier this year placed among the top 10 in a ranking of best business schools for entrepreneurship education by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about Ross and the Zell Lurie Institute, please visit michiganross.umich.edu/. 

About the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
The Institute and its Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance bring together an impactful combination of deep-seated knowledge, enriching experiences and strategic opportunities from the front lines of entrepreneurship and alternative investment. Students' learning experiences are further enhanced through internships, entrepreneurial clubs, business competitions and campus-wide events that foster valuable networking and engage the business community. The School's four student-led investment funds, with over $7M under management, immerse students in the entrepreneurial business sourcing, assessment and investment process. Founding Zell Lurie advisory board members include Samuel Zell, chairman of Equity Group Investments, and Eugene Applebaum, founder of Arbor Drugs Inc. For more information, visit the Institute's website at www.zli.bus.umich.edu.

About Michigan Ross
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for driving positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School's mission is to develop leaders who can solve global problems and contribute to the betterment of the world. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improve business and society.

Ross is consistently ranked among the world's leading business schools. Academic degree programs include the BBA, MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Management, and Ph.D. In addition, the school delivers open-enrollment and customized executive-education programs targeting general management, leadership development and strategic human resource management.

SOURCE Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

Related Links

http://www.zli.bus.umich.edu