Biography
After completing degree work at Union College (BA, Economics: 1977) and Cornell University, New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations (M.I.L.R., 1979; Ph.D., 1982), Donna pursued a traditional academic career that took her to several major universities.
She taught industrial relations for two years at the School of Management, SUNY at Binghamton, and then taught industrial relations, HR, and business and society for eight years at the Graduate School of Business, Columbia University. Finally, she served as a full professor at the School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University for five years, teaching a variety of courses, running a department, and continuing to do the research expected of academics.
While at Rutgers, Donna decided there was more (or less) for her to do with her life, that the world would be a fine place with fewer labor lawyers if she put her efforts elsewhere. Aided by her husband’s job change, she moved to Boulder in 1996. After writing two books, coaching boys and girls tennis at Niwot High School, and serving as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Boulder High School, Donna realized she missed the more traditional classroom.
Returning to the classroom at CU meant designing an Introduction to Business class for freshmen and figuring out how to help them learn in a room crammed with 250-400 peers. A challenge! The experience has been exciting, frustrating, fulfilling, and downright scary… but never dull. She loves what she does; the kids are great and they so appreciate our willingness to help them begin their post-secondary academic journey.
P.S. Donna is a proud New Yorker. Please say good things about the Yankees.
Education
- Ph.D., Collective Bargaining, Labor Law and Labor History, Cornell University
- MA, Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University
- BA, Economics, Union College
Case Studies
Case Study
May 2011
Authors: Hailey Broderick, Heather Lowry, Nicholas Mooney, and Dr. Donna Sockell
Namasté Solar is a leading Colorado solar installer in the residential market. Colorado’s favorable market conditions attract new competitors, putting pressures on price and market share. Unusual management structure and values systems, and public incentive structures complicate a pending decision to grow the residential market or develop a commercial installation business. Students must analyze the solar market, public incentive structures and financial scenarios to decide how this renewable energy company should grow.
This case contains a selection of three case studies that can be used to: Discuss a company’s core values, culture, and vision and examine how the corporate culture should be maintained or adjusted as the company experiences rapid growth; and to analyze target market selection in the context of competition, financial returns, and core competencies.
Read/Download
Courses
Undergraduate
Focuses on values and leadership at the top level of organizations. Organized around six visits by high-level executives who will share information about several critical business dilemmas they have faced during their careers.
Syllabus
News
Leeds School of Business
February 29, 2012
Business entrepreneurs encourage business students to develop the skills to be competitive and socially responsible at the Third Annual Conscious Capitalism Conference on March 7.
Bloomberg Businessweek
January 11, 2012
Dean David Ikenberry and CESR Director Donna Sockell discuss the need for today's business schools to infuse ethics and social impact considerations into every aspect of the curricula.
University of Colorado Boulder
September 22, 2011
Leeds ranks 21st among all participating national and international business schools according to Beyond Grey Pinstripes, the most watched ranking in the social and environmental business field.
New West
March 3, 2011
Business leaders and young, aspiring entrepreneurs gathered in Boulder this week for the Conscious Capitalism Conference at the University of Colorado to discuss how socially responsible business models can be profitable.
Leeds School of Business
February 23, 2011
The Center for Education on Social Responsibility (CESR) is co-hosting the annual Conscious Capitalism Conference designed to connect values-driven business leaders with Colorado business students.
Video
On March 19, 2012, Andrew Fastow, former Enron CFO, spoke to the Leeds School community about his time at Enron, how it landed him in prison, and what future business leaders can do to avoid his mistakes. Freshly released from prison, this was Fastow's inaugural university presentation. He chose Leeds because of the Center for Education on Social Responsibility (CESR) and the School's overall emphasis on CSR education.
Three Leeds School students react to his visit.
