Gies Business News and Stories
Explore the ideas, people, and impact shaping Gies College of Business. From faculty research and student experiences to alumni achievements and donor impact, these stories highlight how our community is advancing business knowledge and creating real-world change.
A different kind of MBA, built for a different kind of career
Jul 14, 2026
Traditional MBA programs are facing growing pressure as AI reshapes hiring, salaries soften, and graduates take longer to find jobs. The Gies Business iMBA was built for this environment by focusing on experienced professionals who apply AI, analytics, and leadership skills directly at work while earning the degree.
Business Administration Accountancy Faculty Finance Alumni Student iMBA
Agritourism hub Agrivoy claims Voitik Prize at Cozad New Venture Competition
May 28, 2026
Jeff and Forough Haskel, two University of Illinois iMBA students from Texas, turned a frustrating search for a Wyoming ranch vacation into a startup idea called Agrivoy — an “Airbnb for agritourism.” After developing the idea through the Cozad New Venture Competition, Agrivoy won the $3,000 Voitik Prize for online MBA-led teams.
Healthcare Innovation: How one iMBA student is improving the birthing experience
May 27, 2026
Galina Mihalkina, a Gies iMBA student, helped develop PeriAssist, a medical device aimed at reducing trauma during difficult childbirths by filling a gap between existing tools. As the project’s business lead, she handled strategy, stakeholder mapping, and commercialization, helping the team win awards and move toward funding and patents.
How Ibeabuchi (iMBA ’19) is building scalable legacy at Major League Soccer
May 12, 2026
Chidozie Ibeabuchi’s career has evolved from supporting individual athlete transitions in the NFL to leading large-scale, proactive player engagement initiatives as Vice President at MLS, guided by his “Human First” philosophy.
Life in Parallel: How Gies Business iMBA program helps women lead without putting life on hold
Apr 01, 2026
Gies Business' fully online iMBA program enables women to advance their careers while balancing family and personal responsibilities, allowing them to learn and apply skills in real time.