Jennifer Bossard
Professor
Phone Number: 402.826.8275Department: 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 contributed to the field 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.
Teaching Experience
Doane University, 2007-2019, 2024-present
Moravian University, 2006-2007
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2002-2005
Professional Highlights
-Co-Founder/Co-Chair, International Conference on Human Trafficking Research, 2017-2019
-President & President-Elect of Nebraska Economics and Business Association, 2015-2017
-Co-Chair of Planning Team for Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking, 2015-2016
-Bossard, J. (2024) & Poppert, P. "Reshaping Higher Education for a New Generation." Nebraska Career Education Conference. Kearney, NE.
-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.
-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? Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 63(4), 699-718.
How did you become interested in teaching?
I became an instructor because I love engaging with others in the learning process. To me, that not only includes expanding one’s knowledge, but also sharing, applying, challenging, reflecting, and growing. 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! Faculty are eager to get to know their students and help them be successful. In addition to helping you understand the material in their classes, they want to help you grow professionally. They would love to hear about your dreams for the future – don’t be afraid to reach out to them!
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."
-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 tried to take time to consider options, get feedback, weigh 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.