Donald F. Kuratko,the Stoops Distinguished Professor of Business, is giving his expert opinions on entrepreneurship for Inside Indiana Business, a weekly television business program.

He appears on the "Entrepreneurial Edge" portion of the program.

"I think we are going to have some interesting features during the upcoming year," Kuratko said. "Sometimes I will be discussing the topic of the day in the entrepreneurship field. Or, I may bring in some top business people or entrepreneurs to talk about the latest trends."

Kuratko first appeared on the program last spring when it was a half-hour show produced by WRTV-Channel 6 in Indianapolis. The program is now one hour, allowing for more in-depth business analysis.

Gary Dick, a business reporter for WRTV, developed the show and serves as host. It is also broadcast by WFYI, Indianapolis; WTIU, Bloomington; WNIN, Evansville; and WYIN, Merrillville/Gary. Excerpts may be seen at on the World Wide Web at www.growindiana.net.

Kuratko believes his role on the program may lead to student participation, including features on student projects.

"This is very exciting because we're pioneering, allowing us to try new things," he said. "Over all, this is a great step out into the public eye for Ball State and the entrepreneurship program."

Kuratko is the founding director of the Entrepreneurship Program in the College of Business. The program has been ranked as one of the best in the nation, including U.S. News & World Report's elite top 5 ranking.

He also is the executive director of the Midwest Entrepreneurial Education Center. Kuratko has published more than 150 articles on aspects of entrepreneurship, new venture development and corporate entrepreneurship. He has authored eight books, including the leading entrepreneurship book used by American universities.

Kuratko was honored as the Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Indiana in 1990 and was inducted into the Institute of American Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame. He has been named the National Outstanding Entrepreneurship Educator by the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and he was selected one of the top three entrepreneurship professors in the nation by the Kauffman Foundation, Ernst & Young, Inc. magazine and Merrill Lynch.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Kuratko by e-mail at dkurtako@bsu.edu or by phone at (765)285-5327.)