M.J. Neeley School of Business representatives were in high spirits Monday as they joined the elite 25 in Fortune’s ranking of America’s best colleges for entrepreneurs.The ranking was released with a brief description of why the school was chosen, also naming the Neeley School among the top five undergraduate schools for entrepreneurs in Texas. In the explanation, Fortune reported that TCU has the largest chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization with more than 350 student members.

David Minor, director of the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center, said the size of the program is quite impressive; but more impressive is the quality of the students when it comes to the curriculum and extracurricular activities.

“For a school of 7,000 undergrad, we have the most active number of students involved,” Minor said.

William Cron, associate dean for the graduate programs, said the ranking is exciting because it is recognition after years in the making.

“We’re very pleased, we do believe it’s well-deserved,” Cron said.

Bill Moncrief, senior associate dean and professor of international business, agreed that the ranking is quite incredible.

“I’m not surprised, I think our entrepreneur program has done great work since it’s been in existence,” Moncrief said. “The major is growing and the CEO club has won many awards and continues to do well.”

However, Moncrief said being ranked is somewhat bittersweet.

“I don’t like the ranking game,” Moncrief said. “But the consumers play that game so we’re excited to get ranked.”

Coincidentally, this is the second time in a week the Neeley School of Business has been recognized. Last week, Forbes’ ranking of business schools highlighted the School of Business as one of the best business schools of 2007.

Minor agreed that being ranked isn’t the most important thing, but he considers Fortune’s ranking one of the most impressive cases.

“The reason I’m really impressed about this one is because the people went into great detail to find our school, in effect, nominating and interviewing us for the position,” Minor said. Even without the special treatment, Minor said he has no doubts the recognition will be good for the students and staff.

“In reality, when recognized, students realize they are going to a great school and it enhances their degree,” Minor said. “This validates our program and makes us a destination school for entrepreneurship.”

Staff reporter Amanda Shimko contributed to this report