University of Mary President Sister Thomas Welder says the Tharaldson School of Business will be patterned after the highly successful, nationally recognized Harold Schafer Leadership Center, and its student component, the Emerging Leaders Academy. “The new program will be distinguished from those of other business schools by its dynamic interaction with local and regional businesses, its emphasis on entrepreneurship, team-building, global perspective, and values-based ethical responsibility,” commented Welder at a recent press conference. “The new school will serve as a resource for local, regional and national business entities as it becomes a centerpiece of Bismarck-Mandan’s growth and a catalyst for North Dakota’s prosperity.”

 
The vision of the Tharaldson School of Business is to educate students so they will be highly resourceful and have the integrity and skills to thrive and succeed in a very competitive world. Its goal is to attract those scholars who will make entrepreneurial discoveries that will drive innovation in business and industry. Students will have the opportunity to enter into the “fast-track” honors program allowing for an MBA degree in management or an MBA in accounting in only five years.