Jennifer Bossard

Dean of the College of Business

Phone Number: 402.826.8275
Department: Academic Affairs Office
Office: GAY408
Email: jennifer.bossard@doane.edu
Campus: CRETE
Credentials: BS, MA, PHD

Dr. Jennifer Bossard serves as founding Dean of the College of Business. Since starting at Doane University in 2007, she received two Endowed Chairs, was awarded the Community Award, and was promoted to Full Professor of Economics. As Dean, Dr. Bossard works closely with faculty and staff to offer relevant educational experiences to undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in Crete, Lincoln, Omaha, as well as online. Outside of Doane, she is Guest Editor of a Special Issue for the Journal of Human Trafficking and an Executive Board Member for the Nebraska Economics and Business Association.

Education
Ph.D. (Economics), University of Nebraska, 2011
M.A. (Economics), University of Nebraska, 2004
B.S.B.A. (Economics), University of South Dakota, 2001

Courses Taught

• Macroeconomics and Literacy (ECO 203)
• Statistics (BUS 215)
• Human Trafficking (LAR 303)
• Intermediate Microeconomics (ECO 304)
• Environmental Economics (ECO 309)
• Econometrics (ECO 340)
• Seminar in Economics (ECO 495)

Professional Experience

Dean, College of Business, Doane University, 2019-present
Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Doane University, 2017-2018
Chair, Economics and Business Division, Doane University, 2015-2017

Teaching Experience

Doane University, 2007-present
Moravian College, 2006-2007
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2002-2005

Professional Accolades

A. R. Kinney Endowed Chair of Business and Economics, 2018-2021
Ardis Butler James Endowed Chair, Doane University, 2016-2017
Community Award, Doane University, 2016

Professional Highlights

• Guest Editor, Journal of Human Trafficking Special Issue (forthcoming)
• Co-Founder/Co-Chair, International Conference on Human Trafficking Research (ICHTR)
• Recipient, A.R. Kinney Endowed Chair of Business and Economics, Doane University, (2018-2021) - to advance college efforts to expand corporate partnerships and student opportunities
• Recipient, Ardis Butler James Endowed Chair, Doane University (2016) - to develop online case study on human trafficking in the chocolate industry
• Recipient, Community Award, Doane University (2016) - given to faculty member who makes a difference in the communities in which they live and work
• Bossard, J. (2019). Leadership Positions in Academia: Pursue, Respond, and Empower. Midwest Economic Association. St. Louis, MO.
• Bossard, J. (2018). An Economist's Perspective of Kevin Bales' Blood and Earth: Modern Slavery, Ecocide, and the Secret to Saving the World." Journal of Modern Slavery, 4(1), 155-167.
• Bossard, J. (2018). Economics and Human Trafficking: The Impact of Free Markets on Trafficking. Morality of Capitalism "Human Trafficking Conference. University of Nebraska" Kearney College of Business and Technology.
• Bossard, J., & Korsakas, M. (2017). Tax Increment Finance in Nebraska: A Review of TIF Use from 1996 - 2011. Economics & Business Journal: Inquiries & Perspectives, 8(1), 94-115.
• May, A. M., Moorhouse, E. A., & Bossard, J. A. (2010). Representation of Women Faculty at Public Research Universities: Do Unions Matter?. ILR Review, 63(4), 699-718.
• Affiliated to American Economic Association, Nebraska Economics and Business Association, Association of Christian Economists, and Nebraska Mediation Association

Why did you become an instructor? How did you become interested in teaching?

I became an instructor because I love engaging with others in the learning process. By learning process, I don't mean having one person provide information to another person, but rather I mean having people come together to share, apply, challenge, reflect, and grow. When I think back to the most impactful teachers I had through the years, they were passionate about the subject and they cared deeply about their students. I hope my students have that same experience with me and that I have a positive impact on their lives.
 
What advice do you have for students to be successful in their coursework?

Get to know your professors! At Doane, faculty are accessible to students at both the graduate and the undergraduate level. Faculty are eager to get to know their students and help them be successful in their classes. When an instructor sees that a student is putting effort into the class but is still struggling, they will work with the student to help them understand the material. And this doesn't end with the coursework - faculty are willing to talk with students about majors, minors, and careers in their field. This interaction with faculty is one of the benefits of being a student at Doane!

What is one of your favorite quotes and why?

One of my favorite quotes is, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax", by Abraham Lincoln. It's a good reminder to take time to do things right. I try to apply this to my work as Dean of the College of Business. Instead of rushing a decision, I take time to consider options, get feedback from key stakeholders, weigh the pros and cons, and then make a decision. This process takes time, but if you don't properly "sharpen the ax", you may end up spending more time afterward cleaning up the debris.