Client Spotlight: Mount Royal University

For more than a century, Mount Royal University has been preparing students to succeed in Alberta's economy while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves. Today, the Calgary-based institution continues to build on that legacy through a student-centred approach to teaching, research, and community engagement.

Founded in 1910, Mount Royal University (MRU) has grown into one of Alberta's leading undergraduate universities, offering more than 100 programs across disciplines including business, health, communications, science, education, and the arts. With over 25,000 students, the university combines the resources of a comprehensive institution with a strong emphasis on personalized learning, small class sizes, and meaningful faculty engagement.

Students have opportunities to participate in internships, applied research, work-integrated learning, and community partnerships that allow them to develop practical skills while addressing real-world challenges. This focus on hands-on education has translated into strong outcomes, with 91 per cent of graduates employed within six months of completing their studies and 88 per cent reporting their work is related to the skills developed during their education.

Beyond the classroom, Mount Royal has increasingly positioned itself as a centre for innovation and scholarship. Through its 2024-2030 Research and Scholarship Plan, the university is expanding opportunities for faculty and undergraduate students to collaborate on research that advances knowledge, informs teaching, and strengthens communities. The plan emphasizes community-engaged research, sustainability, health, business, and technology while reinforcing MRU's commitment to solving complex societal challenges through collaboration.

MRU's impact extends well beyond its campus. Approximately 74 per cent of students come from Calgary, demonstrating the university's important role in developing the skilled workforce that supports one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. At the same time, the university awarded more than $5.5 million in scholarships and bursaries during the 2023-24 academic year, helping ensure post-secondary education remains accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Mount Royal University continues to invest in its long-term future. Guided by its Vision 2030 strategic plan, the university is strengthening academic programming, expanding research capacity, deepening community partnerships, and supporting student success while maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to growth. Recent investments have prioritized teaching excellence, student supports, Indigenization, and community engagement, positioning MRU to meet Alberta's evolving workforce and economic needs.