Syracuse University has announced the establishment of the Center for the Creator Economy, marking the first academic center in the United States dedicated to studying and advancing the creator-driven economic landscape. Formed through a collaboration between the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the initiative places the University at the forefront of preparing students for the evolving world of digital entrepreneurship, media, and commerce.
The creator economy—a sector driven by influencers, streamers, podcasters, and digital artists—continues to transform the intersection of creativity, technology, and business. Global estimates suggest the industry could reach nearly $500 billion by 2027, with a rapidly expanding community of creators shaping new models of income generation and career autonomy. Almost half of U.S. teenagers already earn revenue through digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and Substack, signaling a profound shift in how the next generation approaches work and innovation.
The new center will serve as a comprehensive hub for teaching, research, and industry collaboration. It will offer undergraduate and graduate coursework focused on creative content, digital marketing, audience engagement, and monetization strategy. Executive education programs, workshops, and maker spaces will support both students and professionals in building their digital brands. The center will also provide mentorship and funding opportunities for emerging ventures.
Additionally, the Center for the Creator Economy will advance research on trends shaping the field and facilitate partnerships between academia and industry leaders. Syracuse Athletics and the Falk College of Sport will collaborate to help student-athletes and the University adapt to the rapidly evolving business of sports, particularly in areas such as name, image, and likeness (NIL) management.
Syracuse University’s integration of entrepreneurship, media, and digital infrastructure gives it a distinct edge in this field. The Whitman School contributes expertise in entrepreneurship and digital business, while the Newhouse School brings strength in storytelling, production, and communications strategy. The University also benefits from a 5G-enabled campus powered by JMA Wireless and early access to Anthropic’s Claude for Education, further supporting innovation in digital education.
The center will be jointly overseen by the deans of Whitman and Newhouse, with participation from the Falk College and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. A national search is underway for an executive director, who will be supported by faculty co-directors, a Student Engagement Council, and an Industry Advisory Council comprised of creators, investors, and brand executives.
By launching this initiative, Syracuse University demonstrates a forward-looking approach to higher education, anticipating the entrepreneurial and creative skills needed in the modern economy. The University will host a series of launch events this fall across its campuses in Syracuse, New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
KEY QUOTES:
“The creator economy represents one of the most significant cultural and commercial transformations of our time. With this bold new center, Syracuse is seizing the opportunity to lead—not follow—in preparing students to thrive at the intersection of creativity, commerce and digital innovation. Today’s college students are more entrepreneurial than ever before, driven to build personal brands that not only generate income but also give them the freedom to be their own boss, set their own hours and shape their own professional potential.”
Mike Haynie, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and Executive Dean of the Whitman School
“This center speaks directly to the aspirations of current and prospective students, many of whom already see themselves as creators, innovators and entrepreneurs. It’s about meeting them where they are—and preparing them to lead in the world that’s coming.”
Mark J. Lodato, Dean of the Newhouse School of Public Communications
“The creator economy is not a passing trend—it’s a generational transformation. Through this center, Syracuse University is not just responding to change; we’re helping shape what comes next.”
Alex McKelvie, Interim Dean of the Whitman School of Management
