The University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School launched its Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (E.D.B.A.) program, welcoming 28 senior leaders from companies including PwC, Korn Ferry, and ConvaTec to the inaugural class.
This first cohort includes executives such as a former Senior Partner at Korn Ferry who advised Fortune 100 companies on talent strategy across over 50 countries, a veteran M&A specialist who has led over 500 deals totaling $50 billion, and healthcare innovators from leading medical institutions, among others. The 28 participants represent diverse sectors, including private equity, technology, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing, bringing decades of senior leadership experience from Fortune 500 companies, successful startups, major healthcare systems, and global consulting firms. Several students hold multiple advanced degrees and professional certifications, with many serving on corporate boards, founding multimillion-dollar companies, and managing operations across multiple continents.
“I’m hungry to keep learning and innovating as a scholar, doing research in the private equity industry,” said Carl Allen, general partner at 9 FB Capital LLC. “I’m honored to be here with the inaugural cohort and world-class faculty, and I’m proud to be a ’Cane.”
The students convened September 12–13 for their first campus residency, launching a 3-year doctoral journey that combines academic excellence with practice-oriented research. Unlike traditional Ph.D. programs that emphasize theoretical academic contributions, the Executive D.B.A. centers on applied research designed to solve real-world business challenges.
"We're thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of leaders," said Angelika Dimoka, EDBA program director and Professor of Business Technology. "Our program will empower them with advanced research methodologies to drive innovation and solve the complex challenges they face in today's rapidly evolving business landscape."
Miami Herbert Business School’s Executive D.B.A. follows a hybrid format designed for busy executive schedules, combining online coursework with intensive 3-day campus residencies each semester. Students complete two years of classes before focusing on dissertation research with faculty from Miami Herbert Business School, which is ranked #2 globally for faculty productivity, according to the Financial Times.
“As a proud UM alumna, joining the inaugural Executive DBA cohort feels like coming full circle," said Kerline Jules, founder at Jules Management Group. I am excited to be part of this historic moment and to contribute research that bridges business innovation with community impact.”
The Class of 2028 represents a new generation of scholar-practitioners who will graduate with advanced research skills to tackle complex business challenges using evidence-based approaches. Their combined expertise positions them to drive meaningful innovation across industries while bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
Questions about the program can be directed to the admissions advisor, Sasha Espinola, at sasha.espinola@miami.edu.
