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Jennifer Bossard

Jennifer Bossard

Professor

Phone Number: 402.826.8275
Department: Economics
Office: GAY408
Email: [email protected]
Primary Campus: Crete
Credentials: BS, MA, PHD

Dr. Jen Bossard is Professor of Economics, Chair of the Economics Department, and Waas & Pallett Chair in Economics.  She joined Doane University in 2007 as a faculty member and primarily teaches classes for the Economics and MBA programs.  She earned her Ph.D in Economics (2011) and M.A in Economics (2004) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.   Over the last decade, she has has contributed to the filed of human trafficking research by presenting and publishing papers, hosting international conferences and serving as Guest Editor for the Journal of Human Trafficking.  She currently serves as Education Specialist for I've Got a Name, an organization that fights sex trafficking in Nebraska.  Jen is an executive board member for the Nebraska Economics and Business Association (NEBA) and a board member for Junior Achievement of Lincoln.  She is a member of Rotary 14 of Lincoln and is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Nebraska Class IX.

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

Professional Experience

Chair, Business Department, Doane University, 2024-present
Inaugural Dean, College of Business, Doane University, 2019-2024
Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Doane University, 2017-2018
Chair, Economics and Business Division, Doane University, 2015-2017

Teaching Experience

Doane University, 2007-2019, 2024-present
Moravian College, 2006-2007
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2002-2005

Professional Accolades

Waas & Pallett Chair in Economics, 2024-present
Gold Apple Award, Junior Achievement of Lincoln, 2023
Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Dedication and Leadership, NEBA, 2022 
A. R. Kinney Endowed Chair of Business and Economics, 2018-2021
Ardis Butler James Endowed Chair, 2016-2017
Community Award, Doane University, 2016

Professional Highlights

-Bossard, J. (2022). “The Field of Human Trafficking: Expanding the Current State of Human Trafficking.” Journal of Human Trafficking. Vol 8. Issue 1. 1-3.
-Bossard, J. (2019). "Leadership Positions in Academia: Pursue, Respond, and Empower." Midwest Economic Association. St. Louis, MO.
-Co-Founder/Co-Chair, International Conference on Human Trafficking Research, 2017-2019
-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.
-President & President-Elect of Nebraska Economics and Business Association, 2015-2017
-Co-Chair of Planning Team for Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking, 2015-2016
-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.
-Bossard, J. (January 2022). “The Field of Human Trafficking: Expanding the Current State of Human Trafficking.” Journal of Human Trafficking. Vol 8. Issue 1. P 1-3.
-Bossard, J. (2024) & Poppert, P. "Reshaping Higher Education for a New Generation." Nebraska Career Education Conference. Kearney, NE.

How did you become interested in teaching?
I became an instructor because I love engaging with others in the learning process 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?
Get to know your professors!  At Doane, faculty are accessible to students at both the graduate and undergraduate level.  Faculty are eager to get to know their students and help them be successful. Professors work with students to help them understand the material in their classes and grow professionally.  They 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?
"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 applied 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.