AIS Announces New Leadership for Student Chapters Program

AIS is excited to announce a new Associate Vice President for Student Chapters and to introduce a new position for the organization—The Associate Vice President for Global Expansion. This is a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to fostering educational excellence. Our members can expect to see the growth of the AIS Student Chapters program over the tenure of both of our new Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs).

AIS is excited to welcome Gladys Simpson (left) as the newly appointed Associate Vice President for Student Chapters. Dr. Simpson is an Associate Professor for the School of Business at Florida International University in the United States. As she steps into her new role as AVP for Student Chapters, Dr. Simpson expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "I am looking forward to embarking on my position as AVP of AIS Student Chapters and continue to enhance the impact of this program on our students and the IS community in general. Our Student Chapters play a critical role in enriching our students’ educational experience and preparing them to become well-rounded professionals by providing opportunities to enhance their technical skills, personal growth, leadership abilities, and cultural awareness.” In her new role, Gladys’ responsibilities will include both in-person and online Student Chapter Leadership Conferences, managing the Faculty Advisory Board, program communication, pioneering new resources, innovating leadership tools, orchestrating competitions, securing venues, and collaborating on budget development and renewals with AIS Staff.

AIS is excited to announce Dr. B Veeresh Thummadi (right) as the Associate Vice President for the Global Expansion of the Student Chapters Program. As an Assistant Professor for J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway in Ireland, Dr. Thummadi brings a wealth of knowledge as a lecturer specializing in business information systems. Dr. Thummadi expresses his excitement, stating, "I am looking forward to expanding the Student Chapters Program for a better representation of AIS across the globe." With a notable research background, including publications in reputable journals and prestigious awards, Dr. Thummadi is well-positioned to lead the charge in expanding the Student Chapters Program on a global scale. This strategic move is part of AIS's vision to address underrepresentation in regions such as Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe. In this new role Veeresh will be working with AIS Vice President of Membership and AIS AVP for Student Chapters and other members of AIS leadership to expand the student chapter program to a wider audience.

AIS created this new position of AVP for Global Expansion of the Student Chapters Program and kept the AVP for Student Chapters position. Historically, there has been an underrepresentation of Student Chapters from AIS Regions 2 and 3. The AVP for Global Expansion seeks to fill this gap to touch many lives and create new strategies for better student chapter engagement with universities globally. The AVP for Student Chapters will continue to support the currently established student chapter program for the association.

Most recently, the AIS Student Chapters was led by Alex Barsi Lopes, Indiana University. His experience and connections were invaluable to the organization over the years—thank you Alex for all your support and leadership during your tenure.

Interested in learning more about AIS Student Chapters? Visit the AIS Student Chapters website or reach out to studentchapters@aisnet.org.