Blakely F. Fender

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 can use to better their communities is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.