About Kennesaw State University

David Cook is a Professor of Economics and a Faculty Associate at the HKUST Institute for Emerging Market Studies. He has been a member of the HKUST Department of Economics since 1996, focusing his research on international macroeconomics. Cook has published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Monetary Economics, Journal of International Economics, and the Review of Economics and Statistics. His expertise is further demonstrated through his experience as a visiting scholar at the IMF Institute for Capacity Development and the Bank for International Settlements. Currently, he serves as the Hong Kong editor of the Pacific Economic Review.

Dr. Ana T. Baida is the Executive Director of the Department of Career Planning and Development at Kennesaw State University, where she focuses on helping students and alumni translate their experiences into meaningful career paths. With a strong commitment to lifelong learning and online education, Dr. Baida aims to connect learners with employment opportunities they may have previously thought inaccessible, fostering professional success for all individuals she supports.

Andrew W. (Andy) Green, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Information Security and Assurance in the Information Systems Department at Kennesaw State University, where he also serves as the program coordinator for the undergraduate degree in Information Security and Assurance. With nearly two decades of experience in information security, Andy has a background as a consultant for small and medium-sized businesses and has worked in healthcare IT, developing transcription interfaces for medical facilities. His research interests lie at the intersection of security, privacy, and public policy, with publications in top-tier academic journals and contributions to several academic textbooks used globally. Additionally, he frequently shares his expertise with local, regional, and national media on various information security issues.

Dr. Bill Bailey is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering at Kennesaw State University, where he specializes in quality systems and process improvement. He earned his Ph.D. in Technology Management from Indiana State University in 2011 and holds a Master of Science in Industrial Technology from North Carolina A&T State University, along with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and English. With extensive experience in manufacturing, Dr. Bailey has focused on lean implementation and training, teaching process improvement to both production employees and executives. He is a Six Sigma Blackbelt and actively trains Six Sigma Greenbelts and Blackbelts. Additionally, he has served as an examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and other state awards, while his research interests include enhancing organizational performance through quality initiatives applicable to various sectors, including manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

Dr. Christina Scherrer is a full professor in the Systems and Industrial Engineering department at Kennesaw State University, where she has been a faculty member since 2005. She oversees various degree programs, including Industrial Engineering Technology and Systems Engineering, and is passionate about teaching and research, particularly in applying industrial engineering principles to the public sector. Her notable projects include modeling the spread of tuberculosis, assessing school-based dental sealant programs, and optimizing community health centers' locations. Dr. Scherrer has also contributed to education research, focusing on online learning effectiveness and outreach programs. Her work has garnered recognition, including awards for outstanding research and scholarship, and she has received funding from organizations such as the NIH and NSF.

Dan Stotz serves as the Director of Online Executive Education and is a member of the management and entrepreneurship faculty at Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business. With a commitment to helping individuals realize their potential as leaders and innovators, he focuses on designing educational programs that deliver practical knowledge grounded in research and proven practices. Kennesaw State University, located just north of Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its robust student body of 35,000 and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #4 up-and-coming school in the nation.

Dr. Andrew Campbell is an Adjunct Professor at Kennesaw State University, where he contributes to the academic community with his expertise in his field. With a strong background in education and a commitment to student success, Dr. Campbell engages with learners to enhance their knowledge and skills. His dedication to teaching and mentoring reflects his passion for fostering a supportive learning environment at the university.

Dr. Loretta Daniels is the CEO and Managing Partner at Kennesaw State University, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the university's strategic direction and initiatives. With a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment, Dr. Daniels focuses on empowering students and faculty alike. Her leadership is characterized by a dedication to enhancing academic excellence and promoting professional development within the university community. Dr. Daniels' expertise and vision contribute significantly to Kennesaw State's mission of preparing students for success in a dynamic world.

Dr. Traci A. Carte is the Department Chair of Information Systems in the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Georgia and previously taught at the University of Oklahoma for 15 years, where she received 15 teaching awards and two best paper awards for her research. Dr. Carte's expertise encompasses business process integration, data management, and collaborative technologies, with a focus on the role of information security across these areas. Her extensive background in academia and commitment to teaching excellence make her a significant contributor to the field of Information Systems.

Dr. Humayun Zafar is a Professor of Information Security and Assurance and the FinTech Coordinator at Kennesaw State University, where he has made significant contributions to cybersecurity research and education. He holds a doctorate from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has published extensively in academic journals while presenting at major conferences, such as Mobility Live!. In 2014, he was honored for his research efforts by Kennesaw State's Graduate School. Dr. Zafar also created the MAD Junior program to teach STEM concepts to middle school students through mobile game development, supported by grants from Google and partnerships with local non-profits. An experienced educator, he has taught numerous online courses in cybersecurity and holds multiple certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). Outside of academia, he is an avid tennis player and marathon runner.

Dr. Herbert J. Mattord is a Professor of Information Security and Assurance at Kennesaw State University, where he teaches courses in cybersecurity and serves as the Director of Education and Outreach at the KSU Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. With 26 years of experience in the IT industry prior to his academic career, which began in 2002, Dr. Mattord has held various roles including application developer, database administrator, project manager, and information security practitioner. His practical expertise was further enhanced during his tenure as the Manager of Corporate Information Technology Security at Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Additionally, he has taught as an adjunct professor at several institutions and is a co-author of key textbooks in the field, including Principles of Information Security and Management of Information Security. Dr. Mattord earned his Ph.D. in Information Systems with a focus on Information Security from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Jeanne Beatrix Law is a Professor of English at Kennesaw State University, specializing in multimodal languaging, digital historiography, and the integration of generative AI technologies for writers. She is a co-author of The Writer’s Loop: A Guide to College Writing and has contributed to various academic publications on information literacy and AI applications in education. As the lead researcher for the nationally recognized #ATLStudentMovement oral history project, she has developed multiple Coursera courses focused on ethical generative AI use. Dr. Law serves as a faculty mentor for the AAC&U’s AI Pedagogy Institute and has presented extensively on the ethical implications of generative AI in educational settings. Her commitment to fostering digital literacy among students is evident in her innovative teaching methods and collaborative projects that emphasize the importance of compassionate pedagogy in today’s AI-driven landscape.

Lois A. Jordan is a Lecturer of Industrial Engineering at Kennesaw State University, where she is dedicated to providing quality education in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Since joining the faculty, she has focused on enhancing student learning and engagement through her teaching. With extensive experience in the field, she has also worked as an instructor for various organizations and is the owner of Transformation Technologies, Inc. Her contributions to industrial engineering reflect her commitment to fostering knowledge and skills in her students.

Dr. Michael Whitman is a Professor of Information Security in the Information Systems and Security Department at Kennesaw State University, where he also serves as the Executive Director of the KSU Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. With a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, Dr. Whitman teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in cybersecurity and has made significant contributions to the field through numerous publications in top academic journals. He is a co-author of several widely used textbooks in information security and has played a crucial role in establishing Kennesaw State as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education, recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Under his leadership, the university's cybersecurity programs have flourished, reflecting his commitment to advancing education and workforce development in this critical area.

Dr. Prachi Gala is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business, where she integrates her global perspective into teaching and research. With a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Mississippi and an MBA from SIMSREE in India, she has developed innovative courses that combine traditional marketing concepts with the latest AI applications, including "Global Marketing" and "Digital Marketing Strategy." Her research focuses on the intersection of AI, marketing strategy, and corporate governance, exploring topics such as AI's impact on consumer behavior and CEO influence on corporate social responsibility. Dr. Gala's work has been published in leading journals, and she is recognized as a thought leader in her field, actively participating in academic conferences and receiving multiple awards for her research and teaching excellence. Through her contributions to AI discourse and her commitment to advancing technology in marketing education, Dr. Gala continues to shape the future of the discipline.

Scott Inks is an Associate Professor of Marketing and the Co-Director of the Center for Professional Selling at Kennesaw State University. He oversees the sales curriculum, manages video labs, advises student groups, and develops content for the sales center. Prior to joining KSU in 2017, he directed the H.H. Gregg Center for Professional Selling at Ball State University. In addition to his academic role, Scott conducts sales training seminars and provides consulting services to various companies. His research focuses on trust, sales metrics, ethics, and technology in sales education, with publications in several esteemed academic journals. Scott teaches courses in Professional Selling and Sales Analytics and holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Memphis, along with an MBA from Ball State University. He began his career as an agrichemical salesperson and is committed to both his professional development and his family life with his wife Kim and their children Ethan and Natalie.

Dr. Tamara Michele Powell is an Associate Professor of English at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches courses in technical communication, interdisciplinary research methods, and American literature. Previously, she served as the Coordinator for the Electronic Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Communication at Louisiana Tech University, where she developed the program from a grant she authored. At KSU, she has gained recognition for her faculty development initiative, "Build a Web Course Workshop," which helps educators create high-quality online courses. Her recent publications include research on student engagement and online collaboration tools, reflecting her commitment to enhancing online education. Dr. Powell's innovative approaches and contributions to the field have established her as a leader in technical communication and online pedagogy.

Dr. Terry Loe is the Co-Director of the Center for Professional Selling and a Professor of Marketing and Sales at Kennesaw State University. With a Ph.D. from the University of Memphis, he has a rich background in sales and marketing, having spent eleven years in the industry before transitioning to academia. Dr. Loe previously taught at Baylor University, where he founded the National Collegiate Sales Competition (NCSC), which has raised over $6.5 million for the university sales community since its inception in 1999. He has published more than 50 articles focused on sales, sales management, and ethics, earning several awards for excellence in teaching and research throughout his career.

Tiffani Reardon is an instructional designer at Kennesaw State University, where she utilizes her Bachelor of Arts in English and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Georgia State University. Her research interests encompass instructional design and technology, technical writing, online learning, web design, and foreign languages. In addition to her role at KSU, Tiffani operates as a freelance web designer under the name eTiff Designs. She resides in Acworth, Georgia, with her Yorkie-Poo, Nutmeg, and her partner, Josh.

Wes Rhea is a Senior Lecturer at Kennesaw State University, where he teaches upper-level courses in Information Systems and the Executive Masters of Business Administration program. With 25 years of experience in the telecommunications, financial, and healthcare industries, he has held various executive roles, including Vice-President and Chief Compliance Officer. Wes earned his Juris Doctor from Taft University and an MBA from Troy University. He also serves as the IS/ISA Career Coach for the Hughes Leadership & Career Program, which aims to guide students in their academic and career choices. His extensive background in both industry and academia positions him as a valuable resource for students seeking to navigate their professional paths effectively.