Gies College of Business

The future of business education with Dean Brooke Elliott & Poets&Quants Founder John Byrne

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May 13, 2026 Aaron Bennett Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student


What’s next for business education in the age of AI? In this unique conversation, Gies College of Business Dean Brooke Elliott sits down with Poets&Quants Founder John Byrne to discuss affordability and innovation in higher education, the future of MBA programs, online learning, artificial intelligence, global talent.

Poets&Quants Founder John Byrne joined Gies College of Business Dean Brooke Elliott to discuss the future of business education in a wide-ranging conversation focused on artificial intelligence, global talent, affordability, and innovation in MBA programs.

Speaking from the studio in Gies’ new Steven S. Wymer Hall, Elliott interviewed Byrne as he prepares for retirement after decades covering business schools worldwide. Byrne described business education as “more vital than it’s ever been,” citing the growing complexity of global business and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence. He also praised Gies’ emphasis on affordability and accessibility through initiatives such as its fully online iMBA® program, which now serves thousands of learners worldwide.

 

Gies College of Business
515 East Gregory Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-300-7327