Michael L. Harris

Dr. Michael L. Harris serves as the Dean and W. Howard Rooks Distinguished Professor in the College of Business at East Carolina University. Previously, he directed the Miller School of Entrepreneurship and currently holds the position of Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Small Business Strategy.

Education:

• East Carolina University (1992, 1993)

His research spans entrepreneurship education, experiential learning, entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions, and rural and minority entrepreneurship. He has published in leading journals including the Journal of Business Research, Journal of Small Business Strategy, New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow in the National Small Business Institute
• College of Business Teacher Scholar Award
• ECU Alumni Teaching Award
• Board of Governor’s Distinguished Professor Award
• National Small Business Institute Project-of-the-Year competition (multiple first place finishes)

Dr. Harris has mentored over 700 students in his small business consulting course, completing 135 consulting projects for local businesses since 2000. He serves as Co-PI for the $1 million Golden LEAF Foundation grant supporting rural economic prosperity through the RISE29 initiative.

He leads the Miller School of Entrepreneurship and RISE29 project, driving innovation in entrepreneurial education and community engagement across rural North Carolina.