Fatima Jebari
Assistant professor of business and management
My educational background: “I have a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of La Rochelle in France, and a master’s degree in auditing and design of information systems from the University of Lorraine in France. I became interested in how money can be managed according to Islam and decided to pursue an executive professional master in Islamic finance from the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions in Bahrain. I received a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in financial economics from the University of New Orleans.”
Why I became an educator: “I always appreciated seeking knowledge and sharing it. I met professors who had a positive impact on me and on how I perceived things. I wanted to do the same by contributing to others’ intellectual growth and being part of their success.”
What led me to my field: “My love of seeking convincing answers to my questions drove the choice of my academic experiences. At an early age, I started being curious about how businesses work and what corporations can do. In college, I majored in management and got exposed to the subject of finance. I’ve always loved numbers and found it interesting to learn more about managing money and doing it ethically.”
My current research focus: “My current research interests include the impact of corporate political activism and corporate social responsibility on firms’ decisions and values. I also investigate the performance evaluation of mutual funds.”
Most important lesson I learned in college: “It always helps to break big projects into milestones and to be disciplined. Small steps lead to big achievements, and focus is the secret. I also learned that hard work always pays back, and it never hurts to go the extra mile.”
What I want every student to learn: “I want students to learn that they can always find a way to get what they want as long as they stay focused and keep trying. I also want them to know that what they read and who they are friends with shape their personality.”
What few people know about me: “I have a twin sister.”