In efforts to address the evolving demands of today’s workforce, Lander University recently made significant enhancements to the structure of a number of academic units.
Among these changes is the newly formed College of Business and Technology, taking place of the former College of Business. This evolution will enable Lander to foster deeper collaboration among faculty of different academic backgrounds to ensure students are best prepared for careers in a wide variety of fields.
“In today’s economy and workforce, it is impossible to do business without computing, media and design,” said Dr. Lloyd Willis, who is serving as the new college’s dean. “Likewise, it is extremely rare to work in IT, media or design worlds in roles that do not require some fundamental business knowledge. The new structure of our college now mirrors these real-world realities and will help us to continue producing graduates who are ready to immediately enter the workforce and make an impact.”
The College of Business and Technology will be comprised of three new academic units. The School of Business will continue to offer programs in accounting and finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship. The school will be led by Dr. Gail Moore, associate dean for undergraduate studies and professor of accounting, and Dr. Michael Houston, associate dean for graduate studies and assistant professor of marketing.
Meanwhile, the college will also include the new Department of Applied Computing, housing degree programs in computer information systems, cybersecurity and data science; and the new Department of Media and Design, housing degree programs in graphic design, media and communication, and digital media production.
Dr. Farha Ali will serve as the chair for the Department of Applied Computing, and Professor Asma Nazim-Starnes will serve as chair for the Department of Media and Design.
The innovative structure of the new college will emphasize the intersection of these diverse disciplines in today’s professional landscape. As Lander students enter a competitive job market upon graduation, the college’s faculty expect the integration of business, media, technology and design will provide students with innovative learning opportunities that prepare them for the 21st century.
