Three female students outside smiling

Developing Future Business Leaders

The Gies Scholar Program in Gies College of Business aims to develop academically motivated and high-potential learners from all communities within the college to become purpose-driven leaders. Gies Scholars seek to make positive and meaningful contributions at the University of Illinois and beyond.

Gies Scholars Admission Process

The Admission Process for Gies Scholars has been re-designed from a first-year freshmen entry point to a rising-sophomore entry point. Effective Fall 2024, students interested in joining the Gies Scholar Program will complete an application process towards the end of the spring semester of their first year. All intercollegiate transfer and off-campus transfer students with three years remaining to complete their Gies degrees may also apply. The first cohort of this re-designed Gies Scholar Program will apply towards the end of the Spring 2025 semester for admittance for Fall 2025. More information on the application and admission process will be added to this webpage in Fall 2024.

Gies Scholar Program Benefits

  • Participation in leadership development courses and curriculum 
  • An international business cultural immersion short-term study abroad program
  • Service/philanthropic events impacting Gies College of Business and/or the campus and Champaign-Urbana community
  • A seminar series, “Conversation with Leaders,” with national and international business leaders and Illinois alumni
  • Social activities for Gies Scholars to foster community and engagement 
  • A mentorship program to build community and leadership skills within the honors program 
  • A guest speaker series for honors students with esteemed Gies faculty and staff
  • Opportunities to build connections with Gies Scholar Alumni
  • Access to designated honors advising

 

Gies News and Events

Implementing AI technology in business education

Gies' Chief Disruption Officer Robert Brunner shares his approach to adopting artificial intelligence and illustrates how the College is embracing new technologies and preparing students for what they will encounter in their future careers.