GIES Business School Wins Coursera Trail Blazers Online Education Award: Voices of GIES Learners
Gith Business School University of Illinois pleasure Trail Blazers Award At the Coursera Connect Conference in September 2025recognize its bold leadership in reshaping online education. From launching a first-level degree with Coursera to groundbreaking tools like Coursera Coach and AI Avatars, Gies has always broken through the possibilities of accessible, high-quality business education.
Today, learners around the world can pursue three GIES business masters online with Coursera: Coursera: Master of Business Administration (IMBA), Master of Management Science (IMSM), and Master of Accounting Science (IMSA), and access stackable open content in AI to reflect the school’s commitment to students. However, the most authentic reflection of this pioneering spirit comes from its global learners, whose voice demonstrates the impact, community and transformational nature of defining the GIES business.
Flexible learning of multiple lifestyles
Chelsea Doman, a single mother of four, found Gies Imba perfect for her busy life. “When I saw Illinois own an online MBA with Coursera, it was like heaven was open,” She said. The structure of the program allows her to balance family, work and study without the need for a GMAT score. Chelsea emphasizes the value of learning to personal growth, statements, “I’m doing it for the fun of learning, a long-term goal, a holistic business understanding.”
Similarly, Tom Fail, who pursued IMBA while working at Edtech, appreciated the convergence of the program’s online flexibility and in-person networking opportunities. He pointed out that “With this program, you can blend the benefits of the network and have the hands-on experience you get from in-person planning with the flexibility to plan online.”
Global community and real-world applications
Australian learner Ishpinder Kailey leverages IMBA’s leadership role in transitioning from a chemistry background to a business strategy. “This degree gives me the confidence to lead my business.” She also highlighted the global and collaborative environment of the program: “The professor is excellent, and peer learning from a global population is a huge asset.”
Joshua David Tarfa, a senior product manager based in Nigeria, recently graduated from a 12-month MS Management (IMSM) degree program, and his coursework is immediately applicable to his career position. He shared, “From the beginning, I could apply what I was learning. I remember taking a strategic management course and using concepts immediately at work.”
Commitment to lifelong learning and connection
For many learners, GIES experience goes far beyond graduation. Dennis Harlow describes how IMSA plans to connect him to a global network: “Even if it is online, I feel like a part of a community. The connection I have made with my peers and lecturers is amazing. ” Likewise, Patrick Surrett highlights the flexibility and ongoing engagement of the program: “I believe in lifelong learning, and the program makes it possible. It’s really online design.” Together, their experience reflects GIES’ commitment to fostering lifelong learning and supporting communities around the world.
Online with GIES Business: The right degree for you
Congratulations to Gies Business School for winning respect Trail Blazers Award. This recognition not only reflects the school’s pioneering approach to online education, but also the achievements and experience of learners. From balancing family and careers to pursuing personal growth and professional impact, GIES students around the world continue to thrive in a flexible, rigorous and supportive environment. Their stories prove community, innovation and opportunity, and define what it means to learn with Gith.
Interested in an online degree from the University of Illinois GIES Business School? View the program here →
