Trevor Israelsen

Dr. Trevor Israelsen is an Assistant Professor of Organization Theory at the Smeal College of Business, Penn State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Management and Organization Studies from the University of Victoria (2023), an M.A. in History from Miami University (2016), and a B.A. in History with Spanish from Utah State University (2014). His research focuses on the role of history, tradition, and legacy in organizations, emphasizing qualitative and historical methods to study resilience and stakeholder engagement in institutions like family businesses, heritage brands, and religious organizations.

Education:

• Ph.D., Management and Organization Studies, University of Victoria, 2023
• M.A., History, Miami University, 2016
• B.A., History (Spanish), Utah State University, 2014

Research Interests: Dr. Israelsen explores how organizations leverage historical narratives to build resilience and competitive advantage through stakeholder enrollment. His work includes studies on rhetorical history, institutional work, and intergenerational legacy in family dynasties, heritage brands, and community-based organizations. Key themes include the management of tradition, entrepreneurial visions, and the role of memory in organizational identity.

Awards:

• Academy of Management, Entrepreneurship Division, Best Reviewer Award 2020
• Ian H. Stewart Graduate Student Fellowship (2021)
• Jawl PhD Student Scholarship for Research Excellence (2018–2021)

Teaching & Grants: He teaches courses in entrepreneurship and has received grants from the Canadian SSHRC and the Gustavson School of Business. His doctoral consortium participation includes the Academy of Management Annual Meeting and the Family Enterprise Research Conference.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with institutions like the Ivey Business School (Research Associate, 2018) and co-organizes symposia on intergenerational entrepreneurship and legacy studies.