The College of Business and Economics is pleased to announce that Ruth Jebe, an associate professor of legal studies, will fill the Robert V. Hansberger Chair of Business Ethics. This is the first endowed chair in a college of business in the State of Idaho.
The selection committee noted Jebe’s exemplary commitment to teaching and research in the field of business ethics and corporate social responsibility. She has created an engaging learning environment in her classes by using immersive ethical dilemmas and fostering classroom discussion.
In addition to Jebe’s teaching accomplishments, she has published in top business law journals since she arrived at Boise State in 2016. Her research explores ethical issues for multinational corporations and sustainability in business. Most recently, her article, “The U.S. Plastics Problem: The Road to Circularity,” was appeared in the Environmental Law Reporter.
Before coming to Boise State, Jebe was an associate teaching professor at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. During her time there she developed and taught graduate-level classes that focused on ethical leadership skills and active discussion of tough ethical issues.
The family of the late Bob Hansberger, founder of Boise Cascade, created the permanently endowed chair in his name.
As the inaugural Hansberger Chair, Jebe will take the lead in the College of Business and Economics in teaching business ethics and leading a dialogue on ethical professional and corporate decision-making. Outside of the classroom, she will develop programming to engage students and the broader community in the exploration of ethical issues in business.
“Our father believed strongly that business has a great deal of responsibility to the individuals and society in which it operates,” Carol Hansberger Lloyd said. “Therefore, our goal in endowing a chair in the College of Business and Economics is to continue the legacy of Bob Hansberger, and to encourage corporate social responsibility and the application of ethical values in making business decisions.”
“The college’s value statement reads that we are committed to integrity and ethical behavior in all that we do,” Dean Mark Bannister said. “Robert Hansberger, as a corporate and community leader, exemplified this behavior. He was known for his integrity and proved you can be ethical and successful. The goal of the College of Business and Economics in establishing this chair is to emulate and uphold the beliefs Robert stood for in business and life. Ruth Jebe is an outstanding professor and person who will make a substantial impact in this role.”