Frank Shrontz Chair

Background

The Shrontz Chair is named in honor of former Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Frank Shrontz. Mr. Shrontz began his career with The Boeing Company in 1958. He left to work in the Defense Department from 1973 to 1977, and then returned to Boeing in 1977 as corporate vice president in charge of contract administration and planning. He later became head of the Renton division, overseeing production of the 707, 727, and 737 jetliners. Shrontz became president of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in 1984, chief executive officer in 1986, and chairman in 1988. He retired January 31, 1997.

Purpose

To enhance the prestige and visibility of the Albers School of Business and Economics as a leader in value and ethical based business leadership education. Additionally, the chair holder teaches four MBA sections of business ethics per school year, and leads and initiates ethics programs for students, faculty, and the business community.

Date Started

Chair first occupied in 1997. The Frank Shrontz Endowed Chair of Professional Ethics, funded by Boeing, is typically a one-year appointment from September 15 to June 15.

Current Chair holder

Jeffery Smith, PhD (2015- 2024) Professor Smith teaches in the Department of Management and serves as the Director of the Center for Business Ethics at Seattle University. He is currently a member of the Executive Board of the Society for Business Ethics and scheduled to serve as its President beginning in 2017. He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 2000.

Previous Chair holders

John Dienhart, PhD (1999-2015). Dr. Dienhart is a professor in the Department of Management, in the Albers School of Business and Economics. He earned a BA in 1972 from Roosevelt University, an AM in 1976 and Ph.D. in 1979, both from the University of Illinois, Urbana. As the Shrontz Chair, Dr. Dienhart was the founder of the Center for Business Ethics at Albers School.

David Arnesen, JD (1998-1999). Dave first came to Seattle University in 1986. He was awarded the Shrontz Chair when Fr. Robert Spitzer departed SU for the presidency of Gonzaga. Dave is a professor in Business Law, and has formerly served as the chair for the Dept of Management and as Acting Dean. In 1975 Dave earned a BA in Economics from the University of Washington, and a JD in 1977 from the University of Puget Sound.

First Chair holder

Reverend Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. (1997-1998). Retired president of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and founder and President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith.