Doane University Logo

Jennifer Bossard

Jennifer Bossard

Dean of the College of Business

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

Dr. Jen Bossard serves as Dean of the College of Business. She joined Doane University in 2007 as a faculty member and primarily taught classes for the Economics programs as Professor of Economics.  She earned both her Ph.D in Economics (2011) and M.A in Economics (2004) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As Dean, she works with faculty and staff to create new programs, align curriculum, develop partnerships with businesses and organizations, and is leading accreditation efforts for the college. Over the years, she helped organize several international conferences on human trafficking and recently served as Guest Editor of a Special Issue for the Journal of Human Trafficking. Jen serves as an Executive Board Member for the Nebraska Economics and Business Association (NEBA) and is 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.  Jen was recognized by NEBA for her outstanding dedication and leadership. At Doane, she received the Community Award and was selected for the A.R. Kinney Endowed Chair and the Ardis Butler James Endowed Chair. 

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

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

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?
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. 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?
"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.