DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University Tabor School of Business Professor Dr. J. Mark Munoz finished as the runner-up for the 2023 Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year (Education Champion) Award at the Triple E Awards hosted by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial & Engaged Universities (ACEEU).
Members of the Millikin community supported Munoz’s bid and propelled him to be named the People’s Choice winner by receiving the most votes in the public voting portion of the competition.
“I am extremely honored to take second place based on the judges’ rating and first place based on community voting (People’s Choice) in my award category,” Mark said. “I am very grateful for the support of the Millikin community – the administration, faculty, students and alumni. Friends, family, the Filipino-American, Asian-American, other minority groups and business professionals also gave valuable support.”
“It was truly heartwarming. I am delighted that so many voted and that many people believed my work on minority entrepreneurship, technology and business, and projects relating to global citizenship are meaningful and relevant.”
Mark is a prolific author, publishing over 25 books across disparate topics. He recently authored two books – “The AI Leader” (with Al Naqvi) and “Digital Entrepreneurship and the Global Economy” -- and his subsequent works will focus on disruptive technologies in international business, technology entrepreneurship and digital leadership.
The Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year (Education Champion) Award recognizes a man who has demonstrated outstanding leadership performance in the development of an institution’s entrepreneurial profile. Candidates are evaluated on their entrepreneurial competencies and leadership, impact and support of minorities and young leaders.
Joining Munoz as a finalist were Houston Peschl of the University of Calgary, Jason Lemon of the University of Cincinnati, Timothy Bellavia from Tuoro University and Ali Ülkü from Dalhousie University.
Mark’s strong showing demonstrates the reach that Millikin scholars have in the global entrepreneurial marketplace and he was able to network with many fellow nominees.
“The event brought together the movers and shakers in the field of entrepreneurship from all over the world. I felt privileged to be in their company,” Mark said. “During the conference, I learned about the exciting programs other universities are doing. I also had the chance to network with several outstanding professionals. I was very impressed with how the field of entrepreneurship evolved and how the movement towards bringing together academe, industry and government to improve society has gained so much traction. The event was a unique learning experience and a truly memorable one.”
