Syracuse University has unveiled the Center for the Creator Economy, recognized as the first academic center dedicated to this field at a U.S. university. A collaboration between the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the initiative positions the institution as a leader in research, education, and innovation within the fast-growing digital creator landscape. Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School, emphasized that the creator economy is one of the most transformative shifts in modern culture and commerce. He added that the university is proactively preparing students to succeed at the convergence of creativity, digital platforms, and entrepreneurial enterprise—areas increasingly important to today’s self-directed learners and future professionals.
This economic model, driven by podcasters, streamers, influencers, and digital artists, is redefining how content, products, and services are promoted and monetized. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Substack, and Twitch have become central to modern marketing and income generation. Goldman Sachs projects the sector could reach $500 billion by 2027, with the global creator base expanding annually by 10% to 20%. Notably, nearly half of American teenagers already earn money through digital channels—a trend that underscores the need for academic institutions to adapt to emerging career paths.
Syracuse’s strengths in entrepreneurship, media, and digital infrastructure uniquely position it to lead in this domain. The Whitman School offers training in digital business models, revenue strategies, consumer behavior, and analytics—key skills for modern creators. The Newhouse School contributes expertise in media production, storytelling, and audience engagement, essential in a digital-first world. Additionally, the university boasts one of the most connected campuses in the nation, featuring a campuswide 5G private network developed with JMA Wireless and early integration of AI tools through Anthropic’s Claude for Education.
The new center will function as a multidisciplinary hub for teaching, research, and industry collaboration. It will offer undergraduate and graduate courses in creative content development, digital strategy, and audience growth. Students and professionals will have access to workshops and executive education programs covering topics like personal branding and influencer law. A speaker series will bring creators and digital executives to campus, while on-site incubators and makerspaces will provide mentorship and funding for student-led ventures. The center will also sponsor research on industry trends and partner with Syracuse Athletics and the Falk College of Sport to support student-athletes navigating name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Leadership will be shared between the deans of Whitman and Newhouse, in coordination with the Falk College and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. A national search will be launched to appoint an executive director, supported by faculty co-directors and a network of interdisciplinary fellows. A Student Engagement Council will ensure youth perspectives inform programming, while an Industry Advisory Council—composed of creators, media leaders, brand strategists, and investors—will help shape the center’s strategic direction.
University leaders view this initiative as a forward-looking investment in 21st-century education. Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, described the creator economy not as a fleeting phenomenon but as a generational shift. He stated that Syracuse is not merely adapting to change but actively helping define the future of work and innovation. The center’s official launch will be celebrated later in the fall with events held simultaneously at Syracuse’s campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
— news from Syracuse University News
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Syracuse University Launches Nation’s First Academic Center for the Creator Economy
Syracuse University today announced the launch of its new Center for the Creator Economy, the first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus. A joint venture between the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the center will position the University at the forefront of research, education and thought leadership within the rapidly expanding creator-driven economic landscape. n n“The creator economy represents one of the most significant cultural and commercial transformations of our time,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “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.” n nA Global Shift in Work, Media and Entrepreneurship n nPowered by a new class of content creators—from podcasters and streamers to influencers and digital artists—the creator economy is reshaping how ideas, products and services are marketed and monetized. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Substack and Twitch now serve as engines of commerce and influence. n nGoldman Sachs estimates the creator economy will approach $500 billion by 2027, with the global creator community growing 10 to 20% annually. Nearly half of U.S. teenagers already earn income through digital channels—an economic shift with major implications for how universities must support the entrepreneurial needs of young people. n nLeading the Way in Emerging Jobs and Technology n nSyracuse University is uniquely positioned to lead in this emerging field: n nCreators are entrepreneurs: Whitman’s ranked entrepreneurship program provides a foundation in digital business management, monetization strategy, consumer behavior and data analytics. n nCreators are communicators: The Newhouse School offers expertise in media, content production, digital storytelling and audience development—critical in today’s digital-first environment. n nCreators compete digitally: Syracuse is the nation’s most digitally connected campus, with a campuswide 5G private network powered by JMA Wireless and early adoption of campuswide AI access through Anthropic’s Claude for Education. n nA Hub for Learning, Research and Industry Engagement n nThe center will serve as a dynamic platform for: n nTeaching and learning: Undergraduate and graduate courses in creative content, audience engagement and digital strategy. n nWorkshops and executive education: Experiential opportunities for students and professionals, from personal branding to influencer law. n nSpeaker series and showcases: A stage for creators, social media executives and digital entrepreneurs. n nOn-campus incubators and makerspaces: Mentorship and funding for student ventures. n nResearch and thought leadership: Sponsoring and publishing research on creator economy trends. n nCollege athletics: Partnering with Syracuse Athletics and the Falk College of Sport to help student-athletes and the University compete in the changing athletics landscape. n n“This center speaks directly to the aspirations of current and prospective students, many of whom already see themselves as creators, innovators and entrepreneurs,” says Newhouse Dean Mark J. Lodato. “It’s about meeting them where they are—and preparing them to lead in the world that’s coming.” n nThe center will be jointly overseen by the Whitman and Newhouse deans, in collaboration with the Falk College and College of Visual and Performing Arts. Syracuse will conduct a national search for an executive director, supported by faculty co-directors and a network of faculty fellows spanning the University’s 13 schools and colleges. A Student Engagement Council will offer student-driven insight, while an Industry Advisory Council of creators, media executives, brand managers and investors will guide the center’s vision. n nA Strategic Move for the Future n nThis initiative reinforces Syracuse University’s commitment to bold, forward-looking academic leadership. By aligning strengths in entrepreneurship, media, communications, athletics and digital infrastructure, the University is charting how higher education can prepare students for the 21st-century economy. n n“The creator economy is not a passing trend—it’s a generational transformation,” says Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School. “Through this center, Syracuse University is not just responding to change; we’re helping shape what comes next.” n nSyracuse will celebrate the center’s launch later this fall with on-campus events and simultaneous programming at its campuses in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.