The U’s Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute ranked in the top 25 business schools across the nation by the Princeton Review.
The Lassonde Institute and the David Eccles School of Business rose on the ranking to No. 17 for its graduate programs and to No. 24 for undergraduate programs. This jump is significant — the undergraduate program at the U hasn’t made the top 25 cut since 2012.
“We are ecstatic to be on the list again,” said Thad Kelling, spokesperson for the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute.
The Princeton Review decides its rankings by judging different schools across the nation on data including faculty, courses and opportunities for students outside of classroom settings. It individually ranks the top 25 undergraduate and graduate programs and has conducted reviews since 2006.
“Growth and success breeds more growth and success,” Kelling said, explaining the significance of this award for Lassonde. “This ranking demonstrates our past success, creating more interest for students to come, and is making our community that much better.”
The institute was ranked in the midst of constructing its new Lassonde Studios this year. The $45-million building will feature 400 student rooms and a 20,000-square foot space for students to construct prototypes and start companies. The recent expansions to programs are contributing to Lassonde’s rise in the Princeton Review.
“No other university in the country is doing anything like this,” Kelling said.
Students can major and minor in entrepreneurship, and undergraduates can pursue an interdisciplinary certificate in entrepreneurship through Lassonde. The institute offers between 25 to 30 programs for students as well as extracurricular opportunities, including competitions for everything from creating medical devices to technical skills to traditional business proposals.
Skyler Deason, a junior in chemical engineering, is currently pursuing an entrepreneurial certificate through Lassonde. He is also working in a group called Bench to Bedside, a program aimed at forming a healthcare idea or product and implementing that in the hospital setting.
“I think that the ranking is a little harsh,” Deason said. “I think we should be higher ranked on the undergraduate side, and I think that will be reflected once Lassonde Studios opens fall 2016.”
@BeauHart13