Celebrating Bold Innovation In Business Education: Poets&Quants Best In Class Awards For 2024

Poets&Quants’ Best in Class Awards honor exceptional achievement and innovation in business education

In an era of unprecedented transformation, business schools are at the forefront of driving innovation, shaping industries, and preparing leaders to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Today, we recognize the institutions that have embraced bold, forward-thinking approaches to address the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Whether pioneering healthcare management, revolutionizing digital learning, or advancing artificial intelligence, these schools have redefined what it means to deliver impactful education.

The awards honor business schools that are not just keeping pace with change but setting the standard for the future. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solving global challenges through visionary leadership and research, these institutions stand out for their commitment to excellence, creativity, and transformative impact.

This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond to push boundaries, implement innovative curricula, and create pathways for students and industries alike to adapt, grow, and lead. These schools are paving the way for a more connected, intelligent, and sustainable world, proving that business education is more vital—and dynamic—than ever.

CELEBRATING BOLD INNOVATION: POETS&QUANTS’ BEST IN THE CLASS AWARDS FOR 2024

Join us as we celebrate these trailblazers and their dedication to bold, meaningful innovation in business education.

Even before the pandemic accelerated the pace of online education in business, many schools had already staked out strong positions in digital learning. But no business school has made as much progress in this new world than the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. A global leader in this revolution, Gies is setting the gold standard for online business education through its innovative programs, inclusive accessibility, and cutting-edge technology. Its commitment to quality, affordability, and engagement makes it the top choice for students and professionals seeking flexible and transformative business education.

At the core of Gies’ leadership in online learning is its groundbreaking iMBA program. Launched in 2016, the iMBA was designed to provide high-quality business education that is accessible to anyone, anywhere. Unlike many traditional MBA programs, the iMBA combines academic rigor with a highly innovative online format. Courses are delivered through live, interactive sessions that allow students to engage directly with professors and peers, alongside asynchronous content that provides flexibility for working professionals.

Gies harnesses the power of technology to create a truly dynamic learning environment. By leveraging platforms like Coursera, students can access world-class instruction and engage with content that is practical, relevant, and immediately applicable to real-world business challenges. The iMBA’s unique blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning ensures that students experience the best of both worlds: personalized interaction and on-demand content.

One of the most significant barriers to business education has traditionally been cost. Gies College of Business has redefined affordability without compromising on quality. The iMBA program costs just under $25,000—a fraction of what other top-tier MBA programs charge. This disruptive pricing model has made a top-ranked MBA accessible to thousands of students globally, democratizing education and empowering professionals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Moreover, Gies emphasizes global accessibility. Students from over 90 countries are enrolled in Gies’ online programs, creating a diverse and rich learning environment. Whether a student is in the U.S., Africa, Asia, or Europe, Gies removes geographical barriers to education, allowing individuals to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers across the globe.

The Gies online learning model is designed for immediate application of skills. The curriculum is carefully structured to blend theory and practice, ensuring students graduate with knowledge that has real-world relevance. Professors at Gies bring extensive industry experience, using case studies, simulations, and projects that reflect today’s business challenges.

This focus on applied learning results in measurable success for students. According to Gies, over 50% of iMBA graduates report receiving a promotion, job offer, or salary increase while still enrolled in the program. Employers recognize the value of a Gies education because of its emphasis on practical skills, leadership development, and global collaboration.

Despite being fully online, Gies fosters a strong sense of community. Through live sessions, group projects, and virtual networking events, students build meaningful connections with their peers, professors, and alumni. The program’s innovative use of digital tools ensures that learning remains collaborative, interactive, and engaging.

Gies also prioritizes support and mentorship. Dedicated career services and coaching provide students with the resources they need to advance their careers, whether through professional development workshops, networking events, or personalized feedback.

The school is not resting on its laurels. Dean W. Brooke Elliott is already promising a second revolution as the school continues to innovate and evolve with stackable credentials and degrees. By staying ahead of digital trends and continuously improving its curriculum, Gies ensures its programs remain relevant to the demands of modern business. Its leadership in online education has set a benchmark that other institutions are now striving to reach.

Gies leads all in online learning because of its commitment to accessibility, affordability, and innovation. Its iMBA program combines cutting-edge delivery methods, high-impact learning, and a strong sense of community to provide a transformative education for today’s professionals. By embracing the digital future, Gies is shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

Ever since the launch of ChatGPT in in November of 2022, business schools have been in a mad dash to figure out how to use and teach artificial intelligence to students. Of all these efforts, one school has truly distinguished itself in making what has to be the most consequential AI transformation in business education: American University’s Kogod School of Business.

This past fall the school has embedded AI into every course, ensuring that students acquire practical skills such as coding, data analysis, financial modeling, and presentation development using AI tools. Its AI initiative is designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the business world, where AI proficiency is increasingly critical.

To support this transformation, Kogod has invested heavily in faculty and staff training to enhance their AI expertise. The school also intends to establish partnerships with private sector entities to ensure that the AI education provided remains current and aligned with industry practices.

This AI-focused initiative complements Kogod’s existing emphasis on sustainability, entrepreneurship, business and entertainment, and analytics. By integrating AI into these areas, the school aims to provide a holistic education that addresses contemporary business challenges and opportunities.

Kogod Dean David Marchick emphasizes the necessity of this initiative, stating, “It is a revolution and we are trying to get in front of the parade.” He highlights that the integration of AI will necessitate changes in course delivery methods to effectively incorporate this transformative technology.

Kogod’s ambitious AI integration represents a significant commitment to preparing students for a future where AI is integral to business operations. By embedding AI across its curriculum and investing in faculty development and industry partnerships, Kogod positions itself at the forefront of business education in the AI era.