Tom Dillon, professor of Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics, recently served as a subject matter expert for the Talent Pathways Initiative.

The program is funded through a Go Virginia grant administered by Brightpoint Community College and the J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College Workforce Alliance. It is designed to identify specific pathways along which post-secondary students can be guided from academic settings into the workplace.

Tom was singled out for his flourishing engagement with information-technology consulting firms in Northern Virginia and Richmond. Go Virginia administrators also noted the high rate of career success among Computer Information Systems majors at JMU, many of whom secure internships with prominent employers prior to graduation.

Amy Connolly, associate professor of Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics, was presented with the Outstanding Conference Service Leadership Award for 2024 by the Association for Information Systems.

The award recognized the outstanding contribution Amy has rendered to the Americas Conference for Information Systems (AMCIS) and was conferred in August at AMCIS's annual gathering in Salt Lake City.

Amy's consideration for the award was based on the impact she has had on the conference since she first became involved with the staging of it in 2011. It also took into account her assumption of multiple roles and responsibilities. Amy has served as a track chair, mini-track chair, reviewer and session chair. Most recently, she has performed with distinction in her capacity as secretary of the AMCIS Executive Committee.

Senior Lecturer Robert (Bob) McMillen of the Department of Marketing, was recognized with a Faculty Advisor Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans. His 30-plus years of service as an advisor to the JMU chapter of AMA exemplifies his dedication to student success and academic excellence.

Colleague Cathy Snyder, commented, “As a colleague, he has always been extremely easy to work with; he's open to new ideas, open to new methods to improve old programs, and is constantly engaged in leading professional networking activities for students. Bob is a gem, and JMU students are beyond privileged to have had such a steady and dedicated presence in their degree program.”

Finance lecturer Eliz Ozcan has recently accepted an appointment to the board of directors of the local nonprofit Explore More Discovery Museum, where she has been volunteering since 2022. In addition to her seat on the full board, she has been appointed to the museum’s Development Committee, which oversees fundraising and development opportunities for the museum.

Eliz has also accepted an appointment to the board of directors of another local non-profit, Harrisonburg Women’s Service League, where she has been volunteering since 2019. In addition to her seat on the board, she has been elected as the treasurer for the organization.

Hui Sono, academic unit head for Finance and Business Law, has accepted an appointment to the board of directors of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Community Foundation.

In addition to her seat on the full board, which is for a three-year term, Hui has been appointed to the foundation's Investment Committee, which oversees the work of the professionals who manage its portfolio of assets.

"I very much appreciate the opportunity to serve on the foundation's board," Hui says. "It's exciting to be involved with an organization that contributes so much to our community."

Alex Gabbin, director of the School of Accounting, professor of Accounting and KPMG Professorship recipient, was recently recognized as a founder of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA).

The NBMBAA’s 45th Annual Conference and Expo honored Alex as one of the leaders responsible for founding the NBMBAA, stating that his “pioneering spirit, unwavering resolve, and transformative ideas have left an indelible imprint on both our organizations and the countless lives it has touched.”