Engineering Entrepreneurs Program Moves to College of Engineering, Priya Gill Named Interim Director
The Engineering Entrepreneurs Program (EEP) at NC State University — a transformational educational experience for students seeking to solve engineering challenges — is moving from the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to the College of Engineering.
Priya Gill, associate professor of the practice in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will serve as the interim director. Before joining the NC State faculty in 2024, Gill taught entrepreneurship and product development at Texas Tech University, where she mentored 11 startups.
“I am passionate about teaching entrepreneurship to engineers, as they are natural innovators and problem solvers,” Gill said. “It’s my goal to help budding engineers learn these concepts and be excited about creating companies and be confident in taking on leadership positions in their organizations.”
McPherson Family Distinguished Professor Emeritus Thomas K. Miller founded EEP in 1993. As a technology entrepreneur, he recognized the value of teaching skills in product development, organization, management, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship to engineering and computer science students.
EEP’s second director was the late Marshall Brain. He was an advocate for the infusion of the principles of entrepreneurship at NC State and inspired students to think creatively and outside the box while finding innovative engineering solutions.
Thousands of students have gone through EEP, leaving NC State with experience in creating their own technologies and the skills to work in entrepreneurial environments. Notable alumni include Donald J. Barnes, who was the first employee at Red Hat, and Bill Nussey and Chris Evans, who created the email product DaVinci Systems.
“The Engineering Entrepreneurship Program gives engineering students the tools and skills to become future business leaders,” Gill said. “The program can be a springboard for those wanting to start a company. For others also it can be a great career boost as they position themselves to be leaders in their chosen fields.”
NC State students can join the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program through a variety of course offerings available to engineering and non-engineering students.
