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Faculty Spotlight: Steven Bovee, Professor of Business and Special Projects Consultant
Steven Bovee is a Professor of Business and Special Projects Consultant at Roberts Wesleyan University. He has 26 years of experience at Roberts. With an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in Economics, Bovee is respected, a believer, a man of strong moral principles, and remarkably steadfast.
Tell me about yourself and your background.
I grew up in northern NY and attended college in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After earning my undergraduate degree in accounting and an M.B.A. at Oral Roberts University, I worked for a time in public accounting, before deciding to dedicate my career to higher education. I began that journey as a professor at my alma mater, before completing my doctorate at Oklahoma State and returning to New York to join the faculty at Roberts in 1997. Most of my teaching has been in our M.S. in Strategic Leadership (MSL) program, where I’ve taught financial management, economics of strategy, and strategic management. I also served as director of the MSL program and chair/dean of the school of business for over 20 years.
What do you like about being at Roberts?
I appreciate the opportunity to live out my calling as a Christian educator in a place with such a rich history and a deep commitment to transformative Christian education. It is a blessing to work alongside faculty and staff who share this passion and commitment. I also have enjoyed the opportunity to teach and interact with students with diverse educational and professional backgrounds and to challenge and invest in their growth as leaders.
What are your passions, and what are you currently working on?
I am passionate about teaching. It is why I pursued a career as an educator. My dad was a teacher and elementary principal for many years, and I always appreciated the relationship he had with his students and his colleagues and always knew I would end up being an educator. As a professor, I live for those moments when the light bulb comes on in my students. I love challenging them to do things that they don’t think they can do and walking with them as, together, we do it. I also enjoy leading several institutional projects, including the transition from college to university, the merger of the university and Northeastern Seminary, and our institutional reaccreditation.
What piece of advice would you give to current and future students?
Build deep relationships with your classmates and your faculty. We have amazing, talented, and committed faculty who are committed to your success, academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually. Take full advantage of what they can offer.
How do you go “all in” to help students achieve their goals and dreams?
Regardless of what students I’m teaching or the course, my approach is to help them understand the big picture (why they need to understand and master the knowledge and competencies of the course), challenge them to exceed their expectations, and walk with and support them in their journey. Most students rise to the occasion.
What is an interest you have outside of teaching?
I love spending time with my family, five of whom have attended Roberts. I also love the outdoors and enjoy time fishing, hunting, hiking, and sightseeing. We took a five-week cross-country trip about five years ago, which was amazing!
What is your favorite verse?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Student Insights:
“Dr. Bovee has had a profound impact on students and their future careers. His expertise in the strategic leadership field equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex organizational challenges, make informed decisions, and inspire teams to achieve exceptional results. By blending theoretical concepts with real-world case studies and practical exercises, Dr. Bovee empowers students to think critically, adapt to ever-changing business landscapes, and lead with vision and purpose. The profound impact is felt not only through his teachings but also in the transformation of students into influential, visionary leaders who can steer organizations toward success and innovation.”
Natalie Arieno (Current Master’s of Strategic Leadership student)