Entrepreneurship society establishes new chapter, welcomes charter members
East Carolina University’s Miller School of Entrepreneurship is the newest chapter member of the Sigma Nu Tau entrepreneurship honor society. ECU becomes the 31st Sigma Nu Tau chapter overall and second among North Carolina universities.
Dr. Nancy Church, executive director of Sigma Nu Tau, presided over the induction ceremony.
Fielding Miller speaks at Sigma Nu Tau charter establishment and ceremony. Miller was inducted as a charter member of entrepreneurship honor society. (Photos by Michael Rudd)
Sigma Nu Tau’s mission is to promote, recognize and reward academic excellence in entrepreneurship. The honor society encourages and acknowledges the practice of principled entrepreneurship, which is maximizing long-term profitability for the business by creating real value in society while always acting lawfully and with integrity.
To start the chapter at ECU, the Miller School must offer an undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship, be accredited, have a dedicated faculty advisor and recommend four students and two faculty for charter members.
Brandon Gildersleeve, Rowe Mellot, Melanie Stiles and Taylor Walden were inducted as the charter student members.
Four students were inducted as charter members of ECU’s Sigma Nu Tau chapter. From left to right, Dr. Nancy Church (Sigma Nu Tau), Dr. Mike Harris, Fielding Miller, Melanie Stiles (student), Brandon Gildersleeve (student), Taylor Walden (student) and Dr. Dennis Barber.
Charter faculty member inductions included Dr. Dennis Barber III, who also will serve as faculty advisor, and Miller School Director Dr. Mike Harris, who will serve as chapter secretary.
Fielding Miller, ECU College of Business alumnus and namesake of the Miller School, was inducted as the charter honorary member.
According to Barber, “the Sigma Nu Tau Honor Society provides opportunities for students to apply for scholarships and participate in the society’s video pitch competition. We are always looking for ways to support and recognize our students for their accomplishments.”
The Miller School plans to have the Sigma Nu Tau inductees provide service to the community via their participation in entrepreneurship-related events, e.g., judging the annual middle and high school Youth Entrepreneurs Pitch (YEP) challenge. The chapter will provide another outlet for future entrepreneurs to establish networking relationships over the years.
-by Michael Rudd, University Communications