Geoffrey C. Friesen

Geoffrey C. Friesen is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Business, where he has been a faculty member since 2005. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2011 after serving as an Assistant Professor from 2005-2011. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa (2003) and a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1995).

Research Focus: His work integrates behavioral finance with philosophical ethics, examining how cognitive biases influence financial decisions and how economic systems impact human flourishing. Current research critically analyzes the World Economic Forum's Great Reset Initiative and explores stakeholder engagement through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Key themes include:

• Human cognition's departure from 'rational' financial behavior
• Ethical foundations of financial models and their societal impact
• Mutual fund performance and investor psychology
• Subjective dimensions of work in economic systems

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2020-2022) focus on ethical finance, human flourishing, and corporate decision-making, reflecting a philosophical shift from earlier empirical studies on market anomalies, options pricing, and mutual funds. His work consistently bridges behavioral economics with ethical frameworks.

Awards & Recognition:

• UNL MBA Distance Teaching Award (2015-16)
• UNL MBA Distance Teaching Award (2017-18)

Academic Leadership: Directs PhD students in finance research and has served as Finance PhD Program Director. Regularly teaches graduate courses like Advanced Financial Theory (FIN 961) and undergraduate courses including Investments (FIN 363) and Options & Futures (FIN 467). Institutional service includes chairing search committees and advising on graduate education policy.