MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State University's graduate entrepreneurship MBA program has been named the 1998 National Model Program/Graduate Level by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

The selection was based upon Ball State's curriculum innovation with interactive television, research efforts, accomplishments of the program's graduates, and overall national stature and recognition. Other schools in the final round included San Diego State University and UCLA.

Donald F. Kurakto, the Stoops Distinguished Professor of Business and entrepreneurship program director, said the award was a major achievement for the program, university and the College of Business.

"I believe we are being recognized as one of the most elite entrepreneurship programs in the U.S. today," he said. "I am proud of that for our students and for our university."

Ball State is only one of two schools to win the award at the graduate and undergraduate levels, receiving the top award for its undergraduate program in 1990.

"This is another outstanding achievement for the entrepreneurship program, our college and Ball State University," said Neil A. Palomba, dean of the College of Business. "It reaffirms the leadership position this program has established throughout the United States."

The entrepreneurship program has received numerous awards and honors in the last few years, including the George Washington Medal of Honor, the Leavey Foundation Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education and the NIFB Excellence Award. Ball State also has been ranked in the top 25 business schools for entrepreneurship by Business Week, Entrepreneur and Success magazines.