Leif is constant in changing business department

Still enjoys practicing his ‘routine’ on students

By Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

Story #7

word count: 988

            Doug Leif is known around the business department as the professor who loves to have fun when he teaches.  His PowerPoints have character; animations and loud noises to keep the students attention.  He enjoys joking with students and doesn’t forget a face.  He has few classes now, but still has the same comedic behavior he had when he came to BSU.

            Leif laughed his way through the interview wearing a business suit and sipping his daily Diet Coke while frequently interrupting to help students at his door. He office is spacious, with a beautiful view of Lake Bemidji behind him and shelves filled with awards.

            When asked about his background, Leif immediately jumped at the opportunity to throw in a joke, “I was a catcher at a junior college in Austin, Minnesota.  Is that what you were looking for?” Leif facetiously asked. 

            He always quickly backtracked to the real answer once his joke had landed.  He was working for Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa as an information systems analyst while attending graduate school part-time at Drake University when he decided he needed a change.  Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa is where Leif would relocate and become a full-time graduate student.

            Once he finished his degree, Iowa State had a need for a professor.  “They hired me upon graduation,” said Leif.  “I was teaching operation management with 220 students in my class.”  Then BSU came calling.

            “I interviewed for a position up here [Bemidji] while I was still teaching there [Iowa State].”  He received an offer, finished up the semester and moved to Bemidji.   He started at BSU in the fall of 1990 and has been here since.

            Leif’s primary title is Business Administration Professor, but also serves as the Chair to the Business Department. “I wear many hats,” said Leif laughing.  “I am the Advisor of the BSU men’s club hockey team, Advisor of Alpha Phi Sigma National Honors Society, and National Vice President of Alpha Phi Sigma.”

            When asked about a memory that sticks out in his mind, at first he didn’t mention something from sports, students or where he works.  When he moved to Bemidji, it was just he and his wife.  Now the Leif’s have three kids, own a home in Bemidji and his first-born is a sophomore at BSU. 

            He did admit that his job has led to many memories as well.  “There are a lot of memories in sports,” recalled Leif. “You throw in the Frozen Four, football team playing in the Mineral Water Bowl against Pitt State and Amy Lawson on ESPN sinking the three quarters of a court shot to beat Mankato.”  He has also seen a conference champion in every sport.

During Leif’s twenty years at BSU, he has been involved with many changes and has seen the university evolve.   In Leif’s opinion the faculty in the business department keeps improving.  There is more faculty now than there ever has been.  Leadership at the university has provided improved and added new facilities.

            “BSU has always been a leader in technology, equipment and students,” said Leif. There are more students every year.  The achievements of the graduates keep improving. “It’s fun vibrant and exciting to see all these changes develop.  It’s easy to come to work everyday.”

            Minnesota is currently faced with economic problems. There are problems with the state and the budget; Leif sees it as an opportunity for the university. “The school is onward and upward.  Enrollment will increase and programs will become stronger because of it – no doubt.”

            Leif was proud to share his contributions to the changes in the business department.  He has been involved with the growth in Web site presence and recruiting.  His latest goal reached was getting the accreditation for the business department.

“The department is now nationally accredited through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE),” said Leif.  “We can now be compared to national and international business schools.”

            Leif serves many students whether it may be in the classroom or as their academic advisor. “Doug has been very helpful to me in my three years here at BSU,” said Junior Ethan Branum. “His advice on scheduling classes and what type of work load I should take each semester has been very beneficial to me.” 

            Leif’s wise advice to student was, “students make the university and the faculty reputation more than the faculty and university making the reputation of the student graduate.  The onus is on the student. Don’t sit back and wait for the epiphany that hey I’m good at this.  Grind it out.  You’re going to have to do the legwork.  Faculties are here to do what we can to produce that environment.  The onus is on you and we are here to make sure you take your role seriously.  Make us; don’t wait for us to make you.”

Whether you see Professor Leif walking through Decker Hall or cheering on the Beavers at a sporting event, he will give you a smile and his patented “squeeze” wave. “Leifer always pops in at baseball practice at the right time and lightens the mood,” said Senior Brian Ahlers. “He is a great professor and huge supporter of the Beavers.” 

When asked about his plans for the future, Leif said with a smile on his face, “20 more years retire, stay in Bemidji.  I already moved to a place that I want to vacation.  I live in a place where the rest of the world vacations.  I don’t have to go anywhere.”

Shelves above Leif’s computer show just a few of the awards and accomplishments he has in his office. Photo taken by: Andrew Pooch.

Doug Leif sits at his desk overlooking Diamond Point Park while preparing to teach his afternoon class. Photo taken by: Andrew Pooch