BOONE—Beginning in the Fall 2016 semester, Dr. Sam Formby assumed a new role as associate dean for undergraduate programs and administration in Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business (WCOB). Formby, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, joined the WCOB in 2011.

Formby is a commissioner on the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and has served on 21 accreditation teams visiting 19 U.S. universities and two international universities as a program evaluator. He has maintained senior member status with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and is an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), and has served on the PMI Corporate Council.

Prior to joining the faculty at Appalachian in 2011, Formby spent 30 years in industry including management assignments in engineering, applied research and development, project management and operations at Westinghouse Savannah River Company and E.I. DuPont. He has in-depth experience with strategic planning, budget and work scope development, executive reporting, management and leadership development, and staffing, training, mentoring and performance monitoring.

Formby’s teaching interests primarily include: supply chain management, operations management and project management. His research interests include: supply chain and supply chain risk, causality of adverse events in operations, operations and project risk management, project management, operations complexity, and operations change management.

Formby earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics as well as a master’s in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in supply chain management from the University of South Carolina.

As he shifts his focus from classroom instruction to the duties of a university administrator, Formby’s new responsibilities include oversight of budgets, undergraduate curriculum, enrollment management, accreditation activities, and building and facilities support.

He relayed his thoughts on his new role, what he tells prospective students about the WCOB and how the WCOB prepares students for success beyond graduation.

On his new role and responsibilities as associate dean for undergraduate programs and administration:

With outstanding collegiality and commitment to student success, the Walker College of Business is a great organization to be a part of. My overall role is to facilitate and support the faculty and staff in what they do best – delivering transformational educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers in business and society.

On why students should study business in Appalachian’s WCOB:

A good business education is a starting point, but the Walker College goes further, preparing students for real world challenges by helping them to develop teamwork, communications and leadership skills highly valued by employers.

On how the WCOB prepares students for success beyond graduation:

We are fortunate to have excellent support from college alumni, industry professionals, professional societies, and employers who partner with us in preparing our students for future success. Feedback from employers frequently cites our graduates as standing out with a strong work ethic, a desire to contribute and do more, and a value for lifelong learning and growth in their professional field. It’s a true privilege to have a part in this and see some of the amazing accomplishments of our students and faculty.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs, and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling approximately 2,800 undergraduates in nine majors and nearly 150 graduate students, the Walker College is accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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