SEASON 3: Ep. 10 Purpose, Edge, and Community: Rethinking the Business School with Brooke Elliott, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In this episode, Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, joins host Suzanne to share how a land grant mission and a deep belief in access have shaped one of the most innovative business schools in the country. Brooke traces her unexpected path from aspiring lawyer to academic dean, and explains how Gies Business has challenged the traditional model of business education by launching an affordable, fully online MBA that now serves over 4,500 students in 160 countries. She discusses how stackable credentials, persistent leadership, and mission-driven culture have helped Gies break through the institutional inertia that stops most schools from making real change. The conversation also explores how Gies is navigating the rapid rise of AI, why the future of business education hinges on critical thinking and adaptability over technical skills alone, and what Brooke hopes every Gies graduate will carry with them long after they leave: a sense of purpose, a competitive edge, and a lasting community.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/