Professor of Economics; J. Armistead Brown Chair of Business Administration; Director, EMBA and MBA Programs
BA, Millsaps College; MS, PhD, University of Texas-Austin
“I am a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Millsaps College where I received a BA in economics. After receiving my PhD in economics at the University of Texas at Austin, I joined the faculty of the Else School of Management at Millsaps. I knew the significance of a Millsaps education and wanted to be a part of that experience.”
“My background in consulting taught me the value of statistical modeling and the information it can provide us to help solve problems. Whether I’m teaching econometrics, managerial analysis or labor economics, I bring that pragmatic, evidence-based approach to the classes I teach. ”
“I also enjoy giving my students opportunities to practice problem-solving beyond the classroom setting. For example, one of my students completed an honors project that helped a local financial institution better serve low-income Mississippians. Other students used their problem-solving skills to help 5th and 6th grade students at Midtown Charter School understand the basics of entrepreneurship. With the input and guidance of Millsaps students, the 5th and 6th graders created and sold a comic book about the entrepreneurial efforts of superhero Midbot in the Midtown community across the street from Millsaps. Helping my students acquire economic skills that they use to better their communities is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.”
Dr. Blakely Fox Fender is a Professor of Economics. She also works with ELSEWorks, the entrepreneurial initiative, and directs the Business Advantage Program. Dr. Fender has published articles in academic journals such as The Journal of Economics, Southern Economic Journal, Journal of Forensic Economics and the Justice System Journal.
