Ms. Laura Atkins

Lecturer, Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics
Year Started at JMU: 2005
Education
- M.B.A. James Madison University 1990
- B.B.A. James Madison University 1984
Professional Interests
Teaching:
- Database
- Systems development
- User Experience
- Supply chain
Research:
- Environmental and social responsibility aspects of sustainability projects
- Collaboration systems:response and acceptance
Personal Interests
- Traveling
- Upcycling furniture projects
- Gardening
- Reading
Professional Background
- RR DONNELLEY, Harrisonburg, VA (1986 – 2005)
Manufacturing systems support including design and development, database design, migration and implementation team lead, and disaster recovery team lead.
Current Courses Taught
- COB 204 - Computer Information Systems
- CIS 221 - Principles of Programming
- CIS 366 - Web Design and Development
Positions Held
- 2005-present, Lecturer, James Madison University
- 1994 – 2005 Senior Systems Analyst, RR Donnelley, Harrisonburg, VA
- 1986 – 1994 Systems Analyst, RR Donnelley, Harrisonburg, VA
Awards and Recognitions
- COB Dean’s Impact Award 2016
- COB Dean’s Impact Award 2014
Service
- Faculty Advisor, Net Impact
- FMIR Antwerp, Spring 2017
- Freshman Advisor
- House building trips to Vicente Guerrero, Mexico (2011 – 2015)
- American Cancer Society Relay For Life team member (2010 – 2014)
- Stephen Ministry, Massanutten Presbyterian Church, January 2011 – June 2014
- Liturgical Art project coordinator, Massanutten Presbyterian Church (2014 – present)
- Ruling Elder, Massanutten Presbyterian Church (June 2015 – present)
- Volunteer with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts (2002 – 2012)
- Other volunteering including Massanutten Food Pantry, Little League, church youth programs
Key Publications
Publication
- "A Systems Analysis Role Play Exercise and Assignment", Michel Mitri, Carey Cole, and Laura Atkins, JISE (submitted)
- "An Introduction to Collaboration with SharePoint for First-year Business Students", Carey Cole and Laura Atkins, Virginia, USA: JISE
Conference Proceedings
- “Student Perceptions of Critical Attributes for Entry-Level IT Consultants” Tom Dillon, Diane Lending, and Laura Atkins
- “Accessing the Quality of Mentorship by Professional Mentor Firms with a Simulated IT Consulting Student Project”, Tom Dillon, Diane Lending, and Laura Atkins