Bryce Palar

Meet Professor Palar

Years at Knox: 2024 to present

Most educators end up in academia for diverse reasons. For me, the call came after spending several years in various financial and management roles and discovering that my job was more about helping others to understand and use information than simply managing finances or people. My professional experience as an executive manager has influenced my thought processes from “what” is happening to “why” it is happening. After discovering my passion for learning, I was able to translate that passion into teaching as well. I hold strong convictions for helping others, and, in educating college students, I hope to be able to shape the foundations of our future leaders by developing a stronger understanding of the connection between both the business side and the people side of modern organizations.

After completing my MBA, my dream job was running an organization as its Chief Executive Officer, and, after accepting such a position several years ago, I found that using my financial and managerial experience was more fulfilling when working with my employees to teach them the ins and outs of business. To me, numbers tell a story and explain things to us that we might otherwise miss without them. Therefore, in my current role as a faculty member, I strive to help students tell the story of business and grow confidence as decision makers.

Education

D.B.A., Business Administration, St. Ambrose University
M.B.A., Business Administration, St. Ambrose University
B.S., Business Management and Administration, Bradley University

Teaching Interests

Strategic competitiveness, specifically related to start-ups and small firms 

Ethics in financial decision-making

Social approval assets and environmental/behavioral influences

Before Academia

Prior to his career in academia, Dr. Palar held the position of Chief Executive Officer at The Oxford University Club in Oxford, MS. As CEO, he orchestrated all operational facets of the business including strategic planning and stakeholder analysis to budget development, contract negotiations, and community representation.  Dr. Palar also made notable contributions to multiple organizations during his career, including Triumph Consulting and Case New Holland. Managing international budgets exceeding $50M. He has also spent time as a loan officer, college baseball coach, high school baseball coach, and numerous volunteer positions including community service initiatives with the Boys and Girls Club of Moline, the Rock Island Rotary Club, Junior Achievement of the Heartland, the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, and The Arc of the Quad Cities Area.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Community Involvement

Dr. Palar also serves as President of BP3 Consulting. In this role, he provides valuable business coaching through his ability to guide businesses with complex challenges, demonstrating a keen understanding of diverse organizational needs.

Dr. Palar also recently started The One Step Forward Together Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) with a mission of supporting efforts that increase the survivability of breast cancer.