MGA - School of Computing
October 2025
SkyKnights Drone Technology
On September 23, 2025, Dr. Wayne Lockwood, Dr. Stephanie Edge, and Prof. Julie Allen led an exciting SkyKnights Drone Technology session on the Cochran Campus.
Students explored:
Aerial photography
Flight programming
Automation systems
The session offered hands-on experience with drone operations and highlighted how innovation in drone technology is transforming industries—from logistics and agriculture to environmental research.
Flipping the Script with Flipper Zero
On October 14, 2025, Dr. Shaun Hope hosted an interactive Cybersecurity Awareness event on the Macon Campus and virtually from PSC Room 107.
Sponsored by AWITCS, AITS, CyberKnights, and CompSciKnights, the session introduced students to Flipper Zero — a compact, portable device used for ethical hacking and security testing.
Students explored:
Ethical hacking fundamentals
Cyber defense techniques
Best practices in information security
A big thank-you to all who participated and helped make cybersecurity fun and engaging!
The Great SOC Spook-Off: Games, Prizes & Costumes!
On October 28, 2025, AITS, AWITCS, and the MGA Museum of Technology will host a collaborative Game & Costume Day at the Macon Campus Library.
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy:
Retro and digital gaming
Classic board games
Creative costumes
Free pizza and drinks provided by AITS
The event celebrates creativity, technology, and community engagement across the School of Computing.
Bring your costume, join the fun, and connect with fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts!
Sacred Heart Catholic School’s STEM Night
On October 16, 2025, Dr. Angela Munoz and Dr. Shaun Hope represented MGA’s School of Computing at Sacred Heart Catholic School’s STEM Night in Warner Robins. Students and families explored hands-on activities, including a “Google Quick, Draw!” AI demo and a UX design exercise, introducing how artificial intelligence learns through visual recognition. The event encouraged interest in technology and showcased MGA’s community engagement in STEM education.
College and Career Academy Career Fair and Trick or Treat
Dr. Valerie Mercer, Assistant Professor, MGA School of Computing joined Griffin and Spalding County nonprofits, businesses, government entities, and faith organizations at the annual College and Career Academy Career Fair and Trick or Treat event. Dr. Mercer shared program information and treats to the Griffin community.
Houston County High School Hosted MGA's School of Computing Programs
Dr. Richard Kilburn, Math and Statistics Chair, and Dr. Valerie Mercer, Assistant Professor of IT, visited Houston County High School on Thursday, October 23 to network with students and staff regarding MGA's School of Computing programs.
Cybersecurity Takes a Village at Middle Georgia State University!
The 8th Annual Academic Cybersecurity Seminar brought together experts, students, and community partners from across Georgia to explore real-world issues in cybersecurity under this year’s theme, “Cybersecurity Takes a Village: Interdisciplinary Perspectives.”
Hosted by MGA’s School of Computing, the seminar featured engaging sessions led by professionals from Robins Financial Credit Union, Flint Energies, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Jones County Government, and Middle Georgia State University.
From protecting the power grid to building a culture of cybersecurity in education and healthcare, each talk showed how collaboration strengthens our defense against modern cyber threats.
📸 View event highlights and watch the full replay:
👉 www.mga.edu/computing/information-technology/academic-cybersecurity-seminar
🎥 Watch the livestream replay: YouTube.com/watch?v=PaH-23fIGRE
On October 11, 2025, Dr. Valerie Mercer and Prof. Tina Ashford hosted the School of Computing’s Fall Open House in PSC 137 on the Macon Campus. Students and parents participated in hands-on technology demonstrations and learned how MGA prepares graduates for successful careers in IT, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
MGA Awards and Honors at IACIS 2025 Conference
Faculty, alumni, and doctoral students from Middle Georgia State University’s School of Computing represented the university at the 2025 International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS) Conference, held in Clearwater, Florida, October 1–4.
Learn more about IACIS and explore the Issues in Information Systems journal at:
🔗 www.iacis.org
🔗 Issues in Information Systems Journal
Dr. Kevin Floyd Elected President of IACIS
Dr. Kevin Floyd, Associate Dean and Professor of Information Technology, was elected President of IACIS, reflecting his leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing excellence in information systems education and research.
Dr. Marc Miller Presented IACIS Keynote Address
Dr. Myungjae Kwak Received the IACIS Director's Award
Dr. Myungjae Kwak, Department Chair of Computer Science, received the IACIS Director’s Award for exemplary scholarship, leadership, and service to the computing discipline.
Dr. Sebastian Castaldi Received the Doctoral Student Research Award
Dr. Sebastian Castaldi, alumnus of Middle Georgia State University’s Doctor of Science in Information Technology program (Class of 2025), received the Doctoral Student Research Award for his outstanding research contributions, exemplifying the academic rigor and innovation fostered through MGA’s doctoral program. His recognition further highlights the university’s growing national presence in technology-driven research and higher education excellence.
AI Ethics: Frameworks, Principles, and Future Directions
Dr. Marc Miller, Dr. Alex Koohang, Dr. Kevin Floyd, Dr. Carol Springer Sargent, and Dr. Doyeon Lee
Artificial Intelligence Compliance: Perceptions within Organizations
Dr. Carol Springer Sargent, Dr. Alex Koohang, Dr. Christopher Tsavetewa, Dr. Kevin Floyd, and Dr. Salome Svanadze
The Effectiveness of AI-Driven Tools in Improving Student Learning Outcomes Compared to Traditional Methods
Dr. Myungjae Kwak
Perceptions of AI-Generated and Co-Created Music Among University Students and Social Media Users
Dr. Neil Rigole, Dr. Zoroayka V. Sandoval, Dr. Shannon Beasley, and Dr. Kembley Lingelbach
Evaluations and Outcomes of Experiences of Two Cohorts in an Information Technology Doctor of Science Program: A Comparative Analysis
Dr. Kembley Lingelbach, Dr. Valerie Mercer, and Dr. Zoroayka V. Sandoval
More Than a Chatbot: Human-Centered AI for Student Engagement and Academic Efficiency
Dr. Angela Munoz
MGA Alumni Research & Presentations
MGA alumni also showcased research excellence and professional achievement through diverse presentations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information systems management.
Alumni Presenters:
Dr. Chris Daniels • Dr. Mustafa Abo El Rob • Dr. Stephen Fabeyo • Dr. Alexander Elliott • Dr. Charles Milam • Dr. Jason Brown • Dr. Joseph Brooks • Dr. Michael Clough • Dr. Simeon Olaomo
Their continued scholarship and professional leadership exemplify MGA’s enduring legacy of excellence, innovation, and thought leadership within the technology and research communities.
NCL Announces Fall 2025 Season Schedule
Learn more about the National Cyber League Competition at https://nationalcyberleague.org/.
The mission of the NCL Competition is to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing high school and college students, as well as their coaches, an online, safe platform of real-world cybersecurity challenges. We build pathways for students that lead to successful career placements in the cybersecurity field.
Individual Game Oct. 24 - 26 A weekend-long competitive event where individual players will attempt to solve as many challenges as they can.
Team Game Nov. 7 - 9 A weekend-long competitive event. Players will compete in teams of up to 7 and work to solve as many challenges as they can. You can also participate as a team of 1 if you would like to compete solo.
MGA First in the USG to offer Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Middle Georgia State University becomes the University System of Georgia’s first institution to offer a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to prepare students for careers in a fast-moving industry. Graduates of the program build careers in a variety of areas, including market research analysis, agri-tech data science, logistics, transportation planners and distribution managers, AI solutions architects, compliance managers, and computer and information system managers, among many other roles. Coursework in the new degree program will have several areas of focus for students to choose from: data science, advanced AI, and project leadership.
Prospective students of MGA’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence may contact: Dr. Myungjae Kwak, chair of the Department of Computer Science, at myungjae.kwak@mga.edu for additional information.
See the 13WMAZ feature on this new degree program: https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/middle-georgia-state-university-to-launch-ai-bachelors-program/93-865002dd-0fa3-4173-9ff3-3da82788a946.
FREE Cybersecurity Certification Offered through ISC2
Are you a current or recent MGA student? Please take advantage of this FREE certification offered through ISC2. For more information contact: Dr. Alan Stines at alan.stines@mga.edu.
MGA Master's Degree in Information Technology Declared Most Affordable
Middle Georgia State University's Online Master of Science in Information Technology – Cyber Security & Forensics program has been ranked the #1 most affordable online Master's in Cybersecurity for 2025 by MastersInAI.org.
This declaration was made based on a series of independent reviews of degree programs in high-demand tech fields like AI and cybersecurity. The degree program was analyzed based on tuition, mandatory fees, and funding opportunities at nearly 250 universities to identify the 25 most affordable programs — all priced at or below $18,000. This recognition underscores Middle Georgia State University's commitment to keeping advanced cybersecurity education accessible and affordable.
View the ranking, research methodology, and the complete list here: https://www.mastersinai.org/degrees/affordable-online-masters-in-cybersecurity/.
We're ready for you to join us for a master's degree! Find out more at: https://www.mga.edu/computing/graduate-programs/index.php.
Make A Gift of Impact to Empower Future Technology Leaders
Together, let’s shape a brighter future for our students and chart the path to excellence in the world of computing. By contributing to the School of Computing, you will help fund cutting-edge technology, innovative programs, and scholarships that empower the next generation of tech leaders.
Every donation counts, and your commitment will be a driving force behind the success stories that emerge from our students, faculty, and alumni. Join us in making a difference today!
To make a gift to our School, go visit: https://giving.mga.edu/ and designate the School of Computing.
Thank you for being a crucial part of our journey!
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- Email: infotech@mga.edu
- Phone: 478-471-2801
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- Website: School of Computing: Middle Georgia State University
- Location: 100 University Parkway, Macon, GA 31206, USA