Schools

Trudel Named Dean of SWU Business School

New dean hopes business program at Southern Wesleyan can make positive contributions in a diverse economy.

Southern Wesleyan University recently named Jeannie Trudel as dean of the School of Business.

Trudel comes to Southern Wesleyan from Indiana Wesleyan University, where she was the associate vice president for strategic initiatives in the College of Adult Professional Studies. She has also served as regional dean and was a full time business faculty member at Indiana Wesleyan.

Her experience includes organizational development work and training for corporate and non-profit organizations. Formerly a practicing attorney in Australia, Trudel served as court-appointed/approved mediator in Los Angeles, Boston and Louisville. Trudel’s research interests include workplace incivility, conflict management and organizational systems. Her research presentation at the 2011American Psychological Association conference received media attention through CBS News Affiliates, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

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Trudel earned her bachelor of economics degree and a law degree at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. She also earned a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict management from California State University, as well as a Ph.D. in organizational development from the University of Louisville.

When she moved to the United States from Australia, Trudel became interested in mediation because of the crossover between law and the corporate world. Specifically, her interest was in the issue of conflict management within business settings. When she became involved in training and coaching people as a mediator, Trudel developed a passion for education.

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“When the opportunity came to work in higher education I felt I could make a difference,” Trudel said. She wants to see business majors fulfill their God-given potential and add value to their employers. She envisions the business program at Southern Wesleyan as one that makes positive contributions to an increasingly diverse economy.

“We want our program to anticipate needs and trends in business – not just pursue business as usual,” Trudel said.

Trudel’s husband is Grant Trudel. They have a son, Jared, 21, who recently graduated from Indiana Wesleyan and a daughter, Alisa, 15, who will be a sophomore at Daniel High School this fall.

Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ.


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