Peacock Hall, located on Appalachian’s main campus, houses the Walker College of Business. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — Effective fall 2019, Appalachian State University’s supply chain management degree program, offered by the university’s Walker College of Business (WCOB), will transition from the college’s Department of Computer Information Systems (formerly the Department of Computer Information Systems and Supply Chain Management) to what is now the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management (formerly the Department of Marketing).
The move is a reflection of global trends in both industry and business education.
“The restructuring will benefit our students, better meet the needs of industry and allow for growth in targeted programmatic areas,” said Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, dean of the WCOB. “Our marketing and supply chain students will better learn the key relationships between supply chain and customers, and our information systems students will better learn business analytics.”
Norris added that as data and information are becoming increasingly critical to effective business, new curricular combinations of functional and technical knowledge position graduates as leaders in global, data-driven enterprises.
“Our faculty members are poised to grow innovative program content that will prepare our students for jobs of the future,” she said.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in supply chain management (SCM) at Appalachian provides students skills and knowledge in logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, six sigma and supply chain technologies, enabling them to compete in the global marketplace. Companies focus on SCM as a way to not only reduce costs and improve profits but also expand into international markets.
Students pursuing the supply chain management major should experience little to no disruption in their degree program, as all students who have declared a major in business receive support services from the WCOB Academic Advising Center in Peacock Hall, regardless of discipline.
As part of this restructuring, Dr. Sandy Vannoy, WCOB’s associate dean of graduate programs and research, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Computer Information Systems. Dr. Jim Stoddard will chair the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management and Dr. Dinesh Davé will serve as director of the supply chain management program.
Dr. Tim Forsyth, professor in the WCOB’s Department of Accounting, will serve as acting director for the college’s MBA program while Vannoy is interim department chair.
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About the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
At Appalachian State University, students in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management learn to drive industry initiatives that develop customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to company profits and build connections with suppliers, distributors and the community. Students majoring in marketing may select a concentration in general marketing, digital marketing or sales. Students majoring in supply chain management (SCM) learn about logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, process improvement strategies and supply chain technologies, enabling them to compete in the global marketplace and help future employers reduce costs, improve profits and expand their markets. Learn more at https://marketing.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Computer Information Systems
At Appalachian State University, computer information systems (CIS) students gain valuable professional skills and capabilities that prepare them for careers in a wide variety of technology-related industries. Students learn how to successfully interface between the technical and management aspects within organizations. Part of the Walker College of Business, the Department of Computer Information Systems offers two of 13 undergraduate business majors at App State, all of which promote solid business acumen and technical fundamentals. Learn more at https://cis.appstate.edu.
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 their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.
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, affordable education for all. 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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