Meet the Team
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Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research Dr. Lakshmi Iyer |
Ph.D., University of Georgia Dr. Lakshmi Iyer was named acting associate dean for graduate programs and research in January 2021. She became program director of Applied Data Analytics in the Walker College of Business in July 2017. Dr. Iyer is a professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems. As program director, Iyer led the Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics degree program that Appalachian launched in 2016 to help bridge the gap between industry demand and skills in the area of big data. Dr. Iyer previously served as director of graduate programs in the Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). Under her leadership, enrollment in UNCG's information systems and supply chain graduate programs more than doubled. She was also instrumental in establishing an analytics concentration at the Master of Science in Information Technology and Management level as well as a graduate certificate in business analytics. Dr. Iyer earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in management science and information technology and a minor in computer science from the University of Georgia, and she most recently served as director of graduate programs in the department of information systems and supply chain management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
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Director of MBA Dr. Neel Das | Ph.D., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Dr. Neel Das joined the Walker College of Business in 2007 as an Assistant Professor in Marketing. He was promoted to professor in 2019. He has taught MBA classes at the Institute of Management of Technology, India, Calcutta Business School, India, and the University of Angers, France. His primary teaching interests are Consumer Behavior and Branding and has also taught other courses such as International Marketing and Marketing Research. Dr. Das has an undergraduate business and commerce degree from St. Xavier's College, India, a Master's degree in accounting and taxation from the University of Calcutta, India, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management in finance from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, and a Ph.D. in marketing from Louisiana State University. | |
Co-Director, Master of Science in Accounting Program Dr. Mary Ann Hofmann | Ph.D., Arizona State University Mary Ann Hofmann is the Co-Director of the M.S. Accounting program, and has been teaching at Appalachian State University since 2006. Her research has been published in Journal of the American Taxation Association, National Tax Journal, Advances in Taxation, and other scholarly journals. She is a member of the American Accounting Association and the Institute of Managerial Accountants. In her spare time, Mary Ann enjoys quilting and gardening, as well as hiking, kayaking, and travelling with her husband. | |
Co-Director, Master of Science in Accounting Program Dr. Dwayne McSwain | Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington Dwayne McSwain is the Co-Director of the M.S. Accounting program at Appalachian State University. His research has been published in Internal Auditing, Journal of Accounting Literature, Journal of Forensic Accounting Research, Journal of Government Financial Management, The CPA Journal, among others. He co-authored annual updates to Applying Government Accounting Principles for eight years and most recently co-authored the 11th edition of Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting: Theory and Practice. He is a member of the American Accounting Association, American Institute of CPAs, Association of Government Accountants, Government Finance Officers Association, and the Tennessee Society of CPAs.
In his free time, Dwayne enjoys hiking and working on his farm. | |
Director, Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics Program Dr. Jason Xiong Phone: (828) 262-2351 | Ph.D., University of Nebraska Omaha Dr. Jason Xiong is an Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. Dr. Xiong's research focuses on IT for Development (IT4D), E-Commerce, and the value of Information Systems. Dr. Xiong has work experience in large IT companies in the United States and China. Dr. Xiong is the Vice President for Communication for Association for Information Systems (AIS) SigGlobDev. Dr. Xiong is the Communication Editor for Journal of Information Technology for Development and Editorial Board Member for Journal of Database Management and Journal of Information Systems Applied Research. He was appointed as Acting Director of the MS in Applied Data Analytics Program from July, 2021. | |
Graduate Programs Administrator Donna Lindabury | B.S., Appalachian State University Donna Lindabury received the outstanding staff award for the College of Business for 2013, which honors college staff members who exhibit dedication in service, innovation, workplace morale and service to Appalachian and the community. In addition to serving as Assistant to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research, Lindabury manages the MBA assistantship and scholarship programs, supports various research initiatives, and is the administrator of the college’s professional education programs. She began her career with the Walker College as administrative assistant in the Department of Computer Information Systems. | |
Graduate Student Services Associate Cele Burt |
B.B.A., Baylor University Cele Burt joined the Walker College of Business Graduate Programs office in July 2020. She previously worked in accounting at ASU Foundation and has a background in human resources and finance. In addition to working for an industrial construction firm in Raleigh as HR Manager, she and her family spent eight years overseas working for a non-profit organization, where Cele managed budgets and expense reports for field personnel in Asia and Australia. Cele formerly received her SHRM-CP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management and is a member of the North Carolina Association of International Educators. Her professional interests include academic advising, career coaching, mentoring, financial management, intercultural competency, and international education. | |
Graduate Programs Career Coach Michelle Brown | B.S.B.A., Appalachian State University M.A., Appalachian State University Michelle Brown is the career coach for graduate business programs (MBA, MS in Applied Data Analytics and MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management). Prior to this role, Michelle Brown has served in various roles at Appalachian including Assistant Director, Career Exploration and Assistant Director/Career Counselor for the College of Arts and Sciences in the Career Development Center. Additionally, Michelle has taught Introduction to Nonprofit Management in the Interdisciplinary Studies department and College to Career Courses in partnership with the Student Learning Center. Currently, Michelle teaches The Meaning of Work in the First Year Seminar program. Michelle enjoys motivating students in their professional journeys to be authentic and discover and articulate interests, strengths, and values while pursuing career and life paths. |
