From innovation to sustainability: Meet Edwards’ new associate dean

Did you know that innovation culture frameworks can be applied to sustainability to help organizations better measure progress and improve long‑term outcomes?

That question sits at the heart of the research and leadership approach of Dr. Mark Klassen (PhD), who has been appointed associate dean, strategy and professional programs, at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Edwards School of Business (Edwards), effective January 1, 2026. The appointment is for a five‑year term.

In his new role, Klassen will support the strategic direction and continued growth of Edwards’ professional programs, working closely with faculty, staff, industry, and students to advance applied learning experiences with real-world impact.

Here are five things to know about Klassen and the research shaping his work.

1. A strategist shaped by real‑world experience

An alumnus of USask’s Bachelor of Commerce and MBA programs, Klassen holds a PhD from Lancaster University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA).

Strategy and professional programs have been central to Klassen’s career for more than two decades, supported by extensive consulting work with Deloitte Consulting and HP. He has taught in the MBA and Master of Professional Accounting programs and has been involved in executive education, co‑operative education and entrepreneurship initiatives. As associate dean of strategy and professional programs, Klassen is motivated by the opportunity to move ideas into action and see results firsthand.

“The accounting and strategic consulting mindset have shaped just about everything I do,” said Klassen. “I always come back to the value proposition of what you are doing and whether it is making a difference. This role is a chance to be very pragmatic, work on execution plans and see results in real time. That opportunity to make a difference is what attracted me.”

2. Research focused on innovation culture

Klassen’s research primarily centres on innovation, with a focus on how organizations can measure and strengthen innovation culture. The innovation culture model, researched by Klassen, has been used by organizations to assess performance, identify gaps, and guide execution plans, enabling leaders to focus efforts where they matter most.

“Innovation is messy, and that is what I find fascinating,” said Klassen. “We know innovation is good for organizations, but we often do not know how to measure it, manage it, or execute it.”

3. Expanding innovation research into sustainability

Klassen’s work is designed to be applied, helping organizations identify gaps, develop execution plans and track improvement over time. More recently, Klassen has expanded his research into sustainability, exploring how the same cultural and strategic frameworks can help organizations move from intention to execution.

“Sustainability is very similar,” said Klassen. “We know it is important and hard to measure and manage. If we can apply what we have learned about innovation culture, I think we can make a real difference.”

4. Bridging academic research and executive practice

Klassen’s work is intentionally applied. His publications are practitioner and executive oriented, blending rigorous academic research with pragmatic strategic guidance for business leaders.

“For me, research has to go beyond publication,” he said. “It should help organizations improve and allow leaders to see real impact over time.”

5. An engaged leader in the accounting and academic community

In addition to his work at Edwards, Klassen has served on the boards of CPA Saskatchewan and CMA Saskatchewan and is actively involved with the Canadian Academic Accounting Association. A CPA for more than two decades, he received the profession’s highest distinction – Fellow of CPA (FCPA) – in 2014 in recognition of his career achievements and contributions to community. Known for his collaborative and balanced leadership style, Klassen emphasizes engagement, support, and measurable progress.