“Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied,” said Robert Noyce, the American physicist and entrepreneur. His words remind us of our responsibility to elevate others—especially younger generations—by openly sharing our expertise so that they may grow and succeed.
Culverhouse alumni already set a high standard for engagement with their alma mater in the support of students, but an underthe-radar way of getting involved is through participation on an advisory board, which not only benefits the school but allows board members to expand their professional networks, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute to program development.
Dr. Allen Johnston, the Hewson professor of cybersecurity, helps manage the Culverhouse Cybersecurity Executive Board of Advisors, and articulates the ways the board gives back:
- First, they give strategic guidance and feedback on our existing and future cybersecurity curriculum. They help ensure that we are properly aligned with industry standards and emerging threats.
- They lend their expertise on the latest technologies, compliance requirements, cybersecurity insurance trends, and workforce needs. We use this input to inform and shape our course offerings.
- They also engage directly with students as judges for the case study competition in the capstone class, and some have participated in panel discussions for Women in Technology.
The same can be said about how the many other boards engage with academic programs within Culverhouse, including those within the Culverhouse School of Accountancy, the Management Information Systems program, Culverhouse Investment Management Group, and the College’s academic and research enterprise in real estate, which includes the Alabama Center for Real Estate and its College Career Assistance Program.
Giving Back to MIS
As chief administrative officer of client infrastructure at AllianceBernstein in Nashville, Megan Baker oversees a team of approximately 500 professionals in technology and operations, supporting the firm’s private wealth, retail, and institutional business lines.
A recipient of a bachelor’s in MIS from Culverhouse and a master’s in operations management from Culverhouse’s Manderson Graduate School of Business, Baker was determined to stay connected to the program post-graduation as a way of expressing her gratitude for the help it provided in preparing her for her career. From an overture in 2020 to MIS Faculty Fellow Jeff Lucas after relocating to Nashville from Dallas, Baker was brought on as an executive sponsor for a programming class, providing feedback on student technical projects and coaching.
That same year, Lucas invited her to join the MIS Advisory Board, and now, five years later, “It’s been one of the most meaningful opportunities of my career,” Baker explains.
“I love interacting with students. They are amazing and have skills miles beyond what I was capable of when I was in their shoes.”
Participation means two trips per year to campus to meet with students, including an in-person board meeting to provide an opportunity to share feedback on the MIS curriculum and how to better support students and staff.
For example, in a tech-heavy discipline like MIS, artificial intelligence — and its impact on industry — is top of mind. Baker says, “As a board member, I provide my experience and observation with how AI is affecting roles and hiring at my firm, and we discuss how curriculum should evolve.”
And for anyone on the fence, Baker says, “It’s a fun reason to get back on campus […] I learn so much from the other board members, and I love helping out the students in any way that I can.”