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345
September 2, 2026
Episode #345: Building a Mission-Driven Culture of Innovation

Building a Mission-Driven Culture of Innovation

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About the Episode

We’re proud to welcome Dr. Brooke Elliott, Dean of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois to the show this week.

Dean Elliott discusses how a mission-driven culture, intentional innovation, and a commitment to expanding access have helped Gies grow its impact while preparing students for an increasingly dynamic workforce. Rather than chasing trends, Dean Elliott makes the case for building durable systems that empower faculty, strengthen student outcomes, and ensure institutions remain adaptable while staying true to their core mission.

People in this episode

Host

Dustin Ramsdell is a leading content creator and influencer in the Higher EdTech space, and the host of Higher Ed Geek.

Interviewee

Dr. Brooke Elliott

Dean of Gies College of Business at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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