Endowed Chairs and Professorships

The Frank Shrontz Endowed Chair of Professional Ethics at the Albers School of Business and Economics is a tribute to Frank Shrontz, a notable figure in Boeing’s history. Starting at Boeing in 1958, Shrontz’s career was marked by significant leadership roles, including serving as the president of the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, CEO, and chairman, before retiring in 1997.

The chair, established the same year he retired, aims to boost the Albers School of Business and Economics’ stature as a leader in values-based and ethical business leadership education. The endowment supports the chair holder who teaches MBA business ethics courses and spearheads ethics-related initiatives for the academic and business communities via the Center for Business Ethics. The Shrontz Chair, funded by Boeing, is a distinguished position bestowed annually, starting from September 15 to June 15 each year.

Chair holder: Jeffrey Smith, PhD, 2015 - present

The Lawrence K. Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship is a special role at Seattle University that celebrates the life and entrepreneurial spirit of Lawrence K. Johnson. It was created in 2000 and is named in honor of the father of Kent L. Johnson, a Seattle University graduate and successful venture capitalist. Kent Johnson learned valuable lessons about being an entrepreneur from his father’s hard work and business adventures, which inspired him to pursue higher education and a professional career.

The chair’s goal is to help future entrepreneurs develop the skills and ethical values they need to be successful in their own businesses and to contribute positively to others’ success. It’s supported by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, which started in 1990 to provide excellent education, research, and consulting based on strong values. The center helps new businesses by offering free advice and workshops on important topics like getting investment money, making business plans, understanding taxes, legal issues, and marketing strategies. This continues the work started by the Small Business Institute in 1973, which was all about giving affordable consulting services to the business community.

The person who holds the Johnson Chair serves for three years and can be reappointed. They play a key role in guiding the next wave of business leaders, ensuring they have the knowledge and moral principles to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. This shows Seattle University’s dedication to building a strong foundation for ethical and skilled business leaders.

Chair holder: Peter Rowan, PhD, 2021 - present

The Thomas F. Gleed Chair of Business Administration at Seattle University stands as a lasting tribute to Thomas F. Gleed, a notable Seattle businessman who played a pivotal role in the university’s development since the 1950s. Established in 1980, the Gleed Chair honors his legacy by supporting exceptional scholars and teachers in business. Initially, the chair was held by visiting faculty for terms ranging from one to five years, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse expertise to the university.

In 2021, the chair evolved into an internal position with a three-year term, allowing for a more sustained contribution to the university’s educational mission. The chair holder’s responsibilities are customized to their unique strengths, ensuring that Gleed’s commitment to education continues to inspire and shape the future of business leadership at Seattle University. This evolution reflects the university’s dedication to honoring past contributions while adapting to the changing landscape of business education.

Chair holder: Mathew Isaac, PhD, 2022 - 2025

The Robert D. O’Brien Chair of Business at the Albers School of Business and Economics was established in 1984 to honor Robert O’Brien’s significant contributions to Seattle University. O’Brien, a venerated figure in Seattle’s business circles, was instrumental in the university’s growth during the 1960s and 70s. His tenure on the university’s Board of Regents began in 1963, and he played a key role in steering the institution through financial challenges in the 1970s.

O’Brien’s professional journey included leadership roles at Kenworth Motor Truck Company and PACCAR, where he retired as chairman in 1978. His commitment to service extended to various corporate, civic, and government boards, including a term on the Microsoft board from 1986 to 1997. The chair’s purpose is to foster academic development and provide support for Seattle University’s business faculty. It reflects O’Brien’s legacy of leadership and his dedication to education.

The chair was first occupied in 1985, following the initial gift in 1984. Notable donors contributing to this endowment include Bank of America, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Kenworth Truck Company, Microsoft, and PACCAR, among others. These contributions underscore the business community’s support for the university and its mission to cultivate scholarly excellence within its faculty.

Chair holder: Bo Han, PhD, 2024 - 2026

Gary Brinson, a renowned investment manager and Seattle University alumnus, made a historic $3.5 million donation to establish the Dr. Khalil Dibee Endowed Chair in Finance at the Albers School of Business and Economics. This endowment, which became the largest individual gift to Seattle U, was established in 2003 to honor Dr. Dibee, Brinson’s influential finance professor. Brinson, who founded and led Brinson Partners, Inc., attributed a significant part of his success to Dr. Dibee’s mentorship during his college years from 1962 to 1966.

Despite being a self-described average student, Brinson was inspired by Dr. Dibee to pursue further education and a professional career. Dr. Dibee, known for pushing students to excel, taught at Seattle U for nearly three decades before retiring in 1994. He was deeply honored by the donation, which reflected Brinson’s respect and appreciation for the profound impact his former teacher had on his life.

The endowed chair has bolstered the already prestigious finance department, supporting faculty growth and academic excellence. It stands as a testament to the enduring influence of educators and the power of giving back, embodying the values of dedication and philanthropy within the Seattle U community.

Chair holder: Dean Diavatopoulos, PhD, 2023 - 2026