February 2026 Desk of the Dean

We are starting the semester with so much great news! I'd like to begin by sharing that Georgia College & State University has announced Dr. Amit Ghosh as the next dean of the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology, beginning June 1, 2026. Dr. Ghosh brings extensive leadership experience, a strong scholarly record, and a deep commitment to student‑centered, innovative business education. He joins GCSU from Texas A&M International University, where he currently chairs the Division of International Banking and Finance Studies. Read the full story in Front Page.

In other great news, GCSU's online graduate programs continue to shine in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The Web MBA made one of the biggest leaps this year, soaring into the national Top 100, ranking in the top 25% of programs nationwide, and #2 in the state of Georgia. These accomplishments underscore GCSU’s commitment to providing flexible, high‑quality online pathways for graduate students, including those pursuing advanced business education. This is a testament to the incredible work our faculty, staff, and students are doing each day. Read more in Front Page. These accolades highlight the passion, collaboration, and excellence that define the Georgia College community. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate these achievements.

The College of Business & Technology is expanding entrepreneurial opportunities on campus and in the community thanks to a new $130,000 grant from the Knight Foundation. The funding supports high‑school entrepreneurship programs and will help launch a new on‑campus business incubator led by Dr. Nicholas Creel, director of the CoBT's Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Read the full story in Front Page.

As we move forward this semester, remember to join us during Homecoming Weekend, February 20-22. Many events will take place throughout the weekend where you can celebrate with us, and we'd love to see you there!

Sincerely,

Dr. Faye McIntyre

Interim Dean

College of Business & Technology

The Department of Information Systems & Computer Science offers innovative, career-focused programs that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Our degree offerings include Computer Science (BS), Data Science (BS), Management Information Systems (BBA), and the Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS).

Our department employs 19 full-time faculty members and includes unique scholar and practitioner backgrounds with degrees from Auburn University, Clemson University, Dakota State University, Drexel University, Florida Atlantic University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Saint Louis University, Southern Methodist University, Southern Polytechnic University, Trident at American Intercontinental University, University of Georgia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Utah State University, and Valdosta State University.

Beyond the classroom, students engage in active organizations such as the AI Club, GC WIT, MIS Explore, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon. These groups provide professional development opportunities, national conference travel including Grace Hopper and TAPIA, and signature events like GC WIT Day and the annual etiquette dinner. This year's GC WIT Day includes guest speakers from BoozAllen and SalesForce.

• GCSU Data Science students are turning classroom knowledge into real-world results. Through a hands-on partnership with Thiele Kaolin Company, students analyzed more than three million records to uncover cost drivers and business insights that matter. Explore the project and its lasting impact in Front Page.

• Dr. J. F. Yao recently traveled to Taiwan to deliver an invited lecture, engage in research collaboration, and participate in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with the University of Taipei (UT). Dr. Yao's lecture, titled “Current Developments and Future Directions in Machine Learning,” was attended by more than 50 students and young scholars from UT. During the visit, Dr. Yao collaborated with UT faculty members on research initiatives and held productive discussions on applying machine learning algorithms to cybersecurity challenges. The MOU between the University of Taipei and Georgia College & State University focuses on student and faculty exchanges, as well as mutual support for study-abroad programs. Additionally, the President of the University of Taipei extended an invitation to Dr. Chiang and Dr. Yao to serve as international scholars at UT.
• Dr. Daniel Wu, Assistant Professor of Data Science, was the recipient of a Community-based Engaged Learning Mini-Grant, Bridging Theory and Practice: A Data-Driven Community Partnership to Optimize Maintenance Effectiveness.
• A new club, called Hello World, is a coding club for data science and computer science majors that just launched this month.
• The SAP University Alliances Lab hosted Joshua Sacks and Savannah Cole from SAP who met with students and discussed career pathways.

• Two Halle Foundation student scholars, Carter Lanford and Miqueas Tobar, are leaving in March for Germany.

Innovation in Action: Honoring Dr. Joy Godin’s Impact on Information Systems

At the intersection of cutting-edge technology and transformative education stands Dr. Joy Godin, Professor of Information Systems in the College of Business & Technology. For more than two decades, she has redefined what it means to prepare students for a digital first economy. From enterprise systems to virtual reality, she ensures that GCSU remains a leader in technology enhanced learning and innovation.

A Legacy of Student Success and SAP Leadership

Dr. Godin’s impact shines through her leadership as Coordinator of the SAP University Alliances Lab. Under her guidance, over 60 students have earned SAP Student Award Certificates, and more than 30 students have completed Celonis Rising Star certifications. These achievements give GCSU students a competitive edge in a global marketplace.

Her student-centered approach includes mentoring undergraduate researchers, coaching national ERPsim competition teams, and founding GCSU’s first WIT Day. This community-based service learning event inspires high school students to explore technology careers and strengthens the regional talent pipeline. By bridging theory with real world application, Dr. Godin equips students with skills employers value most.

Innovating at the Intersection of Technology and Learning

Dr. Godin uses advanced tools to bring MIS concepts to life, with expertise spanning enterprise resource planning, database design, data analytics, robotic process automation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and process mining. She integrates these technologies into hands on, immersive learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.

Her leadership in online learning has shaped the success of the WebMBA program. As MBA Coordinator and long-standing Course Lead for Management Information Systems, she helped build one of the most respected online graduate business programs in the region.

Researching the Future: Virtual Teams, VR, and Innovation

A prolific scholar, Dr. Godin has published extensively on virtual teamwork, business process management, digital transformation, and innovative pedagogical strategies. Recently, she has become a leading voice in exploring how Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence enhance team collaboration and learning. Her work has been featured at conferences across the United States and Europe, including at the European Decision Sciences Institute in Venice.

Building Faculty Excellence and Expanding Global Engagement

As Chair of the Faculty Development Committee, Dr. Godin created a Faculty Learning Community providing an average of 15 professional development workshops annually, strengthening instructional quality university-wide. Deeply committed to global education, she has coordinated multiple study abroad programs to the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Ireland, helping to prepare students for work in multinational companies.

Service and Excellence Recognized

Dr. Godin’s leadership has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels. A past president of the Southern Association for Information Systems, she has received the SAIS Leadership and Service Award, the University Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, the University Award for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and the 2024 College of Business and Technology Excellence in University Service Award. She is also a two-time GA WebMBA Outstanding Faculty of the Year recipient.

Her dedication to service extends beyond the university. Dr. Godin currently mentors a middle school student, serves as a college mom for four college students in the GCSU Awakening ministry, and has volunteered as a guest reader in the elementary schools. She was also recognized as Volunteer of the Year for Habitat for Humanity, reflecting her commitment to strengthening communities.

A Lasting Impact on Students, Colleagues, and the Field

Through her commitment to innovation, student empowerment, and academic leadership, Dr. Joy Godin continues to shape the future of information systems education. Her work embodies excellence, creativity, and forward-thinking stewardship, making a lasting impact on GCSU and the broader technology community.

Dr. Godin on study abroad trip with students at the SAP Headquarters in Walldorf, Germany.

For many, the path from college to a career is a winding road of discovery. For Dean Crawford, a Senior Consultant at Slalom, it was a mission marked by intentionality and a relentless commitment to service. A proud graduate of Georgia College & State University, Dean has spent the last four years transforming some of the world’s largest organizations by bridging the gap between people, process, and technology.

Building Identity Capital

Dean’s journey did not start in a boardroom. It began with a deliberate choice to be well-rounded. "I was super intentional about doing whatever I could to set myself up for opportunities," Dean recalls. This included an internship at the International Rescue Committee, where he worked with refugee students, as well as summers spent building skills in technology advisory at KPMG and data science at UPS Capital. These experiences—what Dean calls “identity capital”—provided unique perspectives that set him apart when he began interviewing and securing full-time offers at management consulting firms before even starting his senior year.

Mastering the Pivot

While Dean knew he wanted to be a consultant since day one of college, his relationship with his specialty, operational excellence, was not love at first sight. "I actually did not like process in college," he admits. "I remember saying, ‘I never want to do this.’"

However, by embracing this opportunity at Slalom, he learned the importance of continuous learning and having a commitment to excellence in whatever is in front of you. Today, Dean leads complex process and operational improvement initiatives at brands that are household names. He's delivered on projects spanning customer experience, supply chain, Agentic AI, M&A integration, and many others.

The Human Element of Technology

While he supports teams in identifying opportunities for process automation & intelligence, he believes that one of the most critical skills today is change enablement, helping people adopt and effectively utilize the new resources in front of them.

"With the invention of all these tools, how do you think about supporting somebody in using them? You have to put yourself in the shoes of the employee that's being asked to change how they've always done things."

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what current Georgia College students should focus on, Dean’s advice is counter-intuitive: Take the hard classes. He credits professors like Dr. Meg Geddy and Professor Jehan El-Jourbagy for pushing him to always show up prepared, have a perspective, and be vocal in sharing that perspective, because those are fundamental qualities that are needed to perform well in most corporate jobs.

"Your ability to think is the most powerful asset you have," Dean says. "Challenge yourself in the how you process information. Whether it's through reading, learning an instrument or language, or traveling abroad, those actions and experiences translate into tangible skills because they give you new perspectives on learning, doing challenging things, and developing new ideas."

Dean's story is a testament to the value of consistent hard work, continuous learning, and growth through the exploration of natural interests and deliberate investments in personal & professional development. Work is just a piece of Dean's world, a portion of his overall mission of living a purpose-driven life that's focused serving communities and amplifying the strengths and gifts in others.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program launches on February 5th and provides free tax preparation to Milledgeville and Baldwin County residents. Click here to read more about this program.
• Beta Alpha Psi is working on a community service project to raise supplies for local school, Midway Hills Academy. Read more about the supplies drive on their website.

Student & Alumni Highlights

• Recent finance graduate William Means developed PocketAce, a productivity app that uses AI to scan syllabi and automatically create calendar entries. Means presented his work at the University System of Georgia Board of Regents meeting and met with Chancellor Sonny Perdue and GCSU President Cathy Cox.

• Josh McLaughlin, founder of Tomorrow Digital Marketing and a May 2024 graduate, will return Feb. 2 for two presentations. He will speak to entrepreneurship students about launching a startup, client development, social media strategy, and hiring his first employee and as the featured speaker for the GC Entrepreneurs Club, sharing how he built TDM from a student side gig to a full-time company after graduation.

• Delta Sigma Pi began its 2026 recruitment season with events including a Crumbl Cookies fundraiser, an investing crash course with Dr. Brent Evans, and several networking opportunities.

• The Marketing & Advertising Club welcomed students for an internship panel featuring members who discussed their workplace experiences and advice.

• Six seniors had papers accepted for presentation at the Academy of Economics and Finance annual meeting in February in Jacksonville, Florida.

• Economics major Lauren Decker received funded Ph.D. offers from Clemson University and Florida State University.

• Joshua Johnson ('25), from Bennett Financial Partners spoke to students in the Finance Club about his career journey since graduation.

• Aprio hosted GCSU Accounting alums for an after-hours mixer at their location in Atlanta. View the event photos here.

• Beta Alpha Psi inducts 27 new members this month! Beta Alpha Psi also is hosting a scholarship application party, chili cook-off, and other events sponsored by Carr Riggs & Ingram and Eisner Amper.

• The Venture Capital Competition takes place in March, cash prizes are available for students with business pitches!
  
  

Faculty Research & Recognitions

• Dr. Adel Almasarwah’s paper, “Diversity in U.S. Accounting Education: How Professor Representation Shapes Student Experiences,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting.

• Dr. Sandria Stephenson was honored for 10 years of service on the board of the Journal of Accounting Education, an ABDC‑ranked journal. Additionally, her article, “Accounting Students’ Preferred Learning Techniques and Complex Data Analysis: An Odds Ratio Investigation,” was published in the 2025 edition of The Accounting Educators’ Journal.

• Dr. Karim Feroz published Research Methods in Information Technology and Information Systems with Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group. The book provides researchers with tools for navigating research methods in the information systems field.

• Dr. Navid Safari’s paper, “Going Global, Losing Transparency? Evidence from Stock Price Delay,” was accepted for presentation at the Southern Finance Association Conference in March 2026 in Dallas.

• Dr. Brent Evans presented a “Cryptocurrency Crash Course” to the Rotary Club of Milledgeville, delivered a financial planning and investment workshop for Delta Sigma Pi, and coauthored “Superheroes at the U.S. Box Office: What Factors Determined the Success of Superhero Films?” accepted by The American Economist.

• Dr. Scott Manley published three papers this month: “SME Digital Marketing Tools Importance and Usage: The Impact on Printing Firm Performance,” International Journal of Technology Marketing; “Comprehensive Strategic Approach (CSA): The Evolution from Construct to an Emerging Theoretical Framework,” Journal of Small Business Strategy; and “Sales Management Improves SME Performance, but Not Without Marketing Planning,” Marketing Management Journal.

Recent graduate, William Means, with USG Chancellor, Sonny Perdue after presenting on his recently developed App, PocketAce.

The Master of Management Information Systems is offered fully online and as a Double Bobcat program.

This degree positions students for a position in designing, implementing and managing corporate information resources or serving as a liaison between a functional area and a centralized IT office. Students in this program take courses such as Intro to Enterprise Systems, Business & Technology Project, and IT Strategy & Governance. The MMIS program blends technology skills in such areas as SAP and SQL with soft skills in analysis, project management, and strategic planning and is perfect for working professionals! Apply today.