Edwards professor helps students navigate complexity with confidence

A commitment to experiential learning, a student-centred coaching approach, and the integration of real-world consulting in the classroom define Associate Professor Brooke Klassen’s teaching practice.

Klassen (B.Comm. 2003, MBA 2011) is the 2026 recipient of the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching in recognition of her sustained impact on student learning in the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Known for her dynamic, hands-on approach to teaching and research, she specializes in case-based learning that explores the intersection of marketing, strategy, and societal impact.

Her approach is grounded in a growth mindset. She emphasizes that learning is built through practice, formative feedback, and persistence. Klassen also creates inclusive, psychologically safe classroom environments where students feel supported to take risks, contribute ideas, and develop their skills.

“I believe every student has the capacity to grow and succeed,” said Klassen. “My role is to create an environment where they feel supported and motivated to develop their skills – so they not only feel a sense of belonging but also recognize the value of their contributions.” 

Experiential learning is a key part of her teaching. Students engage in consulting projects with real clients, applying theory to complex business challenges and presenting solutions that mirror professional practice. This work is informed by her own experience as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), having completed more than 125 consulting projects over the past 12 years.

“Business education has an important role to play in preparing students to address complex societal challenges,” said Klassen. “Experiential learning provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge in authentic contexts, which research shows enhances retention, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate complex, real-world problems.”

Her leadership in sustainability education has further shaped her teaching. An inaugural USask Sustainability Faculty Fellow, Klassen has redesigned courses to integrate sustainability into learning outcomes and assessments. Her contributions have earned her recognition including an RCE Saskatchewan Recognition Award and the Dr. Garth Pickard Award for Post‑Secondary Excellence in Education for Sustainable Development.

Students describe Klassen’s teaching as supportive and engaging:

“Despite the challenge of the course material, Brooke was always willing to help explain things in further detail and do everything possible to help students.”

“Brooke created a safe learning environment and made it feel welcoming to contribute ideas in class. It was appreciated how she took the time to learn everyone's name.”

“Engaging with a real client who needs help with their business was exciting and rewarding.”

“One thing I liked about [participating in] the simulator was that you got an immediate response to your actions, which forced us to reflect on changes that we needed to make in real time and see the results of our decisions, rather than other classes I was in where we only talked about hypothetical scenarios.”

It is clear Klassen is deeply invested in her students’ success. Her courses balance challenge with support, helping students build both competence and confidence for their future careers.

“I hope students come away with the confidence to embrace a growth mindset and remain open to change,” said Klassen. “There are many ways to understand the world, and the best decisions are rarely simple or obvious. I encourage students to consider multiple perspectives, question assumptions, and see uncertainty as an opportunity for learning rather than as a barrier. Through this process, I have seen them grow in their ability to think critically and navigate challenges with both humility and purpose.”

Beyond the classroom, Klassen extends her impact through leadership and community engagement. She serves as an associate director with the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) and as a facilitator with Edwards Executive Education, connecting academic learning with industry and global challenges. Beginning in July, she will also serve as acting associate dean, academic, with the Edwards School of Business. She is also past president of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Saskatchewan, supporting the continued growth and advancement of the management consulting profession.

This work reinforces the practical perspective Klassen brings into the classroom. Students leave her courses with both the skills and capacity to apply them in them in real-world contexts.