Indiana State University Newsroom

A global organization dedicated to quality improvement has chosen an Indiana State University graduate to receive its highest award.

James Bossert, a 2008 graduate of ISU's technology management doctoral program, will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society for Quality, which describes itself as the "world's largest network of quality resources and experts."

Bossert, a senior vice president for Bank of America, has held a variety of positions with the society.

The Distinguished Service Medal represents the society's highest distinction for service, and honors the lifetime contribution of honorees as catalysts in the quality movement, according to the organization. Bossert started working with the society in 1980 and has held a variety of offices within the organization.

"I was just ecstatic," he said of the award. "It's the highest honor that ASQ gives."

The organization also reviews literature published, as well as other contributions to the field. Bossert served as editor for three editions of the Supplier Management Handbook and is a member of the Six Sigma Magazine Editorial Review Board, which he has been since November 2003. He also has written several books.

His dissertation at ISU examined how a control chart typically used in the medical field could be used in banking and financial services to minimize risk.

"We're pleased that ASQ has honored a recent graduate of Indiana State in this way," said George Maughan, who directs the Ph.D. in technology management program. "ASQ has been around for decades and has been a leading authority of quality issues, not only in this country, but globally."

Some organizations, including Bank of America, use the control chart that resulted from Bossert's dissertation, but he admits that "it's not as widespread as I would like to see."

Bossert will be recognized at an event May 20 in Anaheim, Calif., before ASQ's World Conference on Quality and Improvement.

"This recognition is an acknowledgement by my professional peers that I have done some long-term dedicated work within the quality field that has some impact to the quality profession...," he said. "It's not an easy thing to achieve, and to tell you the truth, I'm pretty humbled by it."

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/ISUphotoservices/Headshot-for-news/i-87T5Zsb/0/L/P4-L.jpg (Submitted photo)James Bossert

Contact: George Maughan, professor and director, doctorate in technology management program, College of Technology, Indiana State University, 812-237-3368 or george.maughan@indstate.edu

Writer: Austin Arceo, assistant director of media relations, Office of Communications and Marketing, Office of Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3790 or austin.arceo-negrich@indstate.edu