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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, November 5, 2008

IU Professor Named Finalist of the Aspen Institute’s 2008 Faculty Pioneer Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Aspen Institute's Center for Business Education (Aspen CBE) today (Nov. 5) announced the finalists of the 2008 Faculty Pioneer Awards.

This annual recognition celebrates MBA faculty who have demonstrated leadership and risk-taking in integrating social and environmental issues into academic research, educational programs and business practice. Amongst this year's finalists is Siri Terjesen, assistant professor at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.

"We are so impressed by this year's group of winners and finalists," says Rich Leimsider, director of Aspen CBE. "Their success in integrating environmental, social and ethical perspectives into classroom teaching, academic research and other activities sets a high bar for not just other business school instructors, but also for the students they are so thoroughly preparing for the challenges and opportunities of modern day business."

Terjesen's recent research explores entrepreneurship and economic development among disadvantaged people in developing countries. Her social entrepreneurship study of a "better rat trap" for the untouchable tribe of Irula in remote villages of Tamilnadu, India, was recently published in the Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice Journal and featured in the Christian Science Monitor and US News & World Report. This research highlights the role of innovation, human capital and context-driven strategy in facilitating social entrepreneurship success.

Terjesen is currently examining institutional barriers to female entrepreneurship as part of a project with the United Nations University. She is co-team leader of the Social Entrepreneurship component of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, an annual survey of entrepreneurial activity in over forty countries.

Dean Daniel Smith of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University observed, "Professor Terjesen's work in areas of economic sustainability not only makes a difference in the lives of the people whose communities she studies, they also make a real difference to Kelley students. Issues of economic and environmental sustainability are of increasing importance in today's world, and we are very pleased to see continued recognition for both Professor Terjesen and her work."

Award nominees are solicited each spring through several faculty networks and an international outreach campaign. Nominations are open to all faculty members at any institution offering a graduate management degree in any country. Candidates are nominated by their academic peers and evaluated by a team of experts at The Aspen Institute BSP.

Winners and Finalists of the Aspen Institute's 2008 Faculty Pioneer Awards are recognized in a national media outreach campaign, as well as in print and online materials. Complete details are available at www.FacultyPioneers.org.

About the Aspen Institute's Center for Business Education:

The Aspen Institute Center for Business Education (Aspen CBE) equips business leaders for the 21st century with the vision and knowledge to integrate corporate profitability and social value. We offer business educators targeted resources to incorporate issues of social and environmental stewardship into their teaching, research and curriculum development and to share cutting edge practice among peers.

As part of the Aspen Institute Business and Society Program, Aspen CBE maintains close ties with more than 100 MBA programs in 23 countries. Its Web sites draw more than 100,000 visits monthly and its events and networks attract more than 1,000 participants each year.

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