Former dean gets PC nod
Wendelin Fraser running for MLA position
Samara Hawkins
Staff Writer
Political careers and the Bissett School of Business have been going hand-in-hand these past few years.
After former non-profit studies professor Naheed Nenshi’s mayoral election in 2010, former dean of MRU’s business faculty, Wendelin Fraser, has chosen to try her hand at the world of politics.

Wendelin Fraser, left, the former dean of MRU's Bissett School of Business, won the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Calgary-Fish Creek riding.
On Jan. 21, Fraser was chosen as the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Calgary-Fish Creek riding. She attributes her success to her supporters and the experience being the dean of Bissett has given her.
“I was really pleased,” Fraser said. “I’ve always been interested in looking for the right opportunity to be involved, not only as a dean in the school of business, but over my career. I have tried to work towards bringing consensus, being a team builder, trying to make a difference in the community within the education and business sectors.”
Fraser stepped down from the role as dean in 2011 after 11 years, but continues to teach at Mount Royal.
This semester she is teaching three courses, two in business plan development, and one in entrepreneurship. With the possibility of an election being called in the next six weeks, Fraser needs to balance both roles.
“It was a bit challenging, but we have to manage our time effectively,” she said. “I’m not sure how I’m going to continue teaching throughout the election period, but I will certainly make sure the students are well looked after.
“I made my commitment to teach before I decided to run for this election, so I will have to find some way to do that.”
Fraser mentioned that other members of Bissett’s faculty have stepped up to help her with her teaching responsibilities if she is unable to “be at every single lesson.”
The current dean of Bissett, Murray Young, said he believes experience gained from Mount’s Royal’s business school teaches valuable skills on and off the campaign trail.
Young emphasized that an education in business prepares individuals for a political career because a large portion of the MBA offered at Mount Royal is related to budgets, finance and other deliverables.
He added that journalism or political science majors “may not be able to handle all of the dimensions.”
If elected, Fraser becomes an MLA, which is a full time position. She plans to take a leave of absence for her term.