PEI Government salutes first graduates of UPEI’s executive-style MBA

With the first cohort of the UPEI School of Business' executive-style Master of Business Administration program having graduated on May 7, the Government of PEI is congratulating the successful graduates and pledging its support for ongoing higher education efforts by public sector employees.

'We are very pleased that there is a master's level business program now offered in PEI and that the number of graduate programs in a range of fields at UPEI has increased. This is very much in line with our strategy to encourage life-long learning among our civil service and throughout the Island community,' said Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

'I would encourage all employers to look at the benefits to be realized through investing in advanced education for their workforce.'

Launched in September 2008, the MBA program is providing Islanders with a unique opportunity to advance their education while continuing to work. It employs an integrated approach, peer-to-peer learning, and an emphasis on developing global perspectives to prepare graduates to act as leaders and innovators in an ever-changing environment.

Almost half of the 100 students currently pursuing their MBA degree at UPEI work in the public sector; 26 work for the provincial government. Of the 26, 9 graduated on May 7 as members of the first graduating class of MBA students at UPEI: Ryan Bradley, Finance & Municipal Affairs; Liz Dobbin, PEI Cancer Treatment Centre; Jean Kimpton, Innovation & Advanced Learning; Anne MacAulay, Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal; Heather Rossiter, PEI Liquor Control Commission; Denise Spenceley, Justice & Public Safety; Joan Turner Adams, Innovation PEI; Brenda Worth, Prince County Hospital; and Garth Simmons, Environment, Energy & Forestry.

'Our MBA program is designed to enable students to continue to work full-time, while completing a challenging graduate program,' said Don Wagner, MBA Director. 'It is an effective way to expand the capacity of experienced managers and professionals to play key leadership roles in our provincial economy.'

Representatives from UPEI's executive-style MBA program will be conducting information sessions this fall in the Shaw building. For more information, click here or contact Grace McCourt at mba@upei.ca.