Alix Earle, a recent graduate of the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School, has made a generous gift to the school to establish a scholarship aimed at supporting business students.
This offering from the social media sensation—she has more than 5 million followers on TikTok and more than 2 million on Instagram—will provide significant resources for students pursuing degrees in business, further strengthening the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Earle, who graduated in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, gave back to the institution that helped her throughout her entrepreneurship journey.
“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to go to the U and I’m very proud of being part of the UM family,” she said. “If I can help someone in need complete their degree at the University of Miami, I’m honored to help. I know the impact that UM has had on me, and it means the world to me to be a part of that for someone else.”
Earle took TikTok by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing creators on the platform. Despite her growing fame and attending high-profile events alongside A-list celebrities, her education remained a priority. In her view, academics played a pivotal role in shaping her entrepreneurial success.
"During my junior year, there was a marketing class at UM that significantly helped me in my career path. We learned about the analytics and data behind posts. It allowed me to look at my work and see what was working or not working and why," Earle said.
She credits William Bolton, a lecturer at Miami Herbert Business School, for having a significant impact on her throughout her time at the University. She said that his congratulatory email on her success and hard work during her last semester meant more to her than he could ever imagine.
“He emailed me my last semester at the U to congratulate me on my success and hard work,” she said. “I always loved his class and learned so much from it. I was juggling a lot during my last semester, and I often felt like I wasn’t doing enough or was always behind. Professor Bolton reaching out to me was so impactful, especially because he is someone I look up to.”
Growing up, Earle always had the University of Miami in mind. It wasn’t until a visit as a high-school junior that she fell in love with it—the campus, the people, and the academic programs. According to Earle, being academicallyhighly regarded and offering an active lifestyle beyond “campus life” were the features that attracted her most.
From her family, Earle inherited an entrepreneurial spirit. She looked to her father and uncles, who inspired her aspirations.
“I have always looked up to my father and his brothers and all that they have accomplished,” she said. “Seeing their passion for work and the community that they created has always inspired me to start something of my own. I never really knew exactly what it was that I wanted to do, but going off to school for four years really allowed me to learn a lot about myself and helped ignite my passions.”
The scholarship fund established by Earle will provide financial assistance to outstanding students who demonstrate significant potential in the field of business. She said that she hopes it will help break down monetary barriers and elevate business-minded students, especially women.
“It is super important for women to know that they can be just as powerful as men,” said Earle. “There is no limit on what you can accomplish as long as you believe in yourself. I had professors, friends, and family believe in me, and now it’s my turn to help another student live out their dreams.”
“Alix’s gift underlines the value of Miami Herbert’s curriculum in propelling business students forward in real time. It's gratifying to see her translating classroom learning into entrepreneurial success, and we're deeply proud of her role in motivating the next generation of business leaders," said Ann Olazábal, interim dean of the business school.
“It's not just Alix’s entrepreneurial success that’s inspiring. Her philanthropic spirit, evident so early in her career, is truly commendable,” said Casey Supple, executive director of development at the Miami Herbert Business School. “She's not only applying what she learned at Miami Herbert but also giving back to empower future students.”
Earle's advice to young women and men contemplating a career in business or entrepreneurship is simple, but powerful: “Dream big. Don’t let anyone tell you ‘no.’ And don’t be afraid to fail.”
As to pinpointing her new path, Earle said that she prefers to take it day by day, exploring new opportunities and ideas.
To qualify for the Alix Earle Scholarship, students need to be registered at the University of Miami, be a junior or senior, and be enrolled in a Miami Herbert Business School degree program. Application requirements call for a resume and a video—no more than two minutes long. Applications for the Fall 2023 semester must be submitted by July 14.
