Meet the Team
Associate Dean for Advanced Studies in Business Dr. Jason Xiong | Associate Dean for Advanced Studies in Business
Dr. Jason Xiong is Associate Dean for Advanced Studies in Business and Professor of Computer Information Systems in Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business. He provides strategic leadership for the college’s graduate programs, faculty and student research, Honors Program, and executive and professional education. His work focuses on program innovation, student success, applied artificial intelligence, analytics, and emerging technologies. He has led the expansion of graduate offerings in AI and analytics while supporting interdisciplinary programs, external partnerships, and faculty research. Xiong’s research examines how organizations adopt, govern, and create value from artificial intelligence, analytics, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital platforms. His work has appeared in leading journals, including Information & Management, the International Journal of Electronic Commerce, and Information Technology & People. His article “Ethics of Blockchain” received the Literati Outstanding Paper Award from Information Technology & People. His publications and citation record are available on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_PJ7QZcAAAAJ. A recipient of Appalachian State University’s 2022 Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award, Xiong teaches artificial intelligence, analytics, quantitative methods, information systems, and emerging technologies. Before entering academia, he held industry positions with Fortune 500 technology companies. | |
Director, MBA Program Dr. Jacqueline Tilton | Dr. Jacqueline Tilton is an Associate Professor in the Management Department at Appalachian State University, where she teaches Business Ethics. She earned her PhD from the University of Arkansas as the Frank & Donna Oldham Doctoral Fellow and was recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher. Her research aims to understand and give voice to the disparate experiences of diverse employees and additionally discover the mechanisms that serve to mitigate or exacerbate organizational and societal inequality. In particular, much of her research focuses on economic diversity. | |
Director, Master of Science in Accounting Program Dr. Robin Romanus | Ph.D., Virginia Tech Dr. Robin Romanus is an associate professor in accounting at App State. She has more than 10 years of private industry accounting experience. Her research interests include examining the impact of auditor industry expertise on audit quality and audit fees, as well as understanding how Ethics education can improve accountants decision-making. Dr. Romanus is a member of the auditing and financial sections of the American accounting association. She enjoys watching her two sons play sports and volunteering with animal welfare organizations. | |
Director, Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics Program Dr. Ed Hassler | Ph.D., The University of Alabama Dr. Ed Hassler joined App State's faculty in 2016 and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems. Additionally, he serves as the Chief Data Officer for App State's Center for Analytic Research and Education and an Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Information Systems Applied Research and Analytics. Prior to joining App State's faculty, Dr. Hassler served as a master instructor for the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Hassler has also worked as a senior network systems engineer in the Internet Services and Telecom Industry and has considerable experience in systems development. Before his career in the corporate sector, he was a member of the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as an Intelligence Analyst. His research interests include Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Read more at cis.appstate.edu. | |
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. | |
Associate Director for Graduate Business Programs 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 is a Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society member and a graduate of the 2023-24 Chancellor's Academic Leadership Development Program. Her professional interests include program management, academic advising, career coaching, mentoring, intercultural competency, and international education. | |
Graduate Programs Career Coach Michelle Brown | B.S.B.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. | |
Graduate Programs Events and Social Media Manager Kim Kirby | B.S.B.A., Appalachian State University Kim Kirby first joined the WCOB Graduate Programs team in 2014 after working for seven years in IT Audit at Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo). Kim began as the MBA Coordinator and Advisor, and was later promoted to Director of Graduate Student Services. Her responsibilities included managing recruiting and admissions for the MBA program, serving as the graduate school liaison and diversity representative, planning and executing all graduate programs events, including recruiting events, dining etiquette seminars, orientations, hooding ceremonies and our first ever graduate programs career fair. Kim opted to leave full-time employment in 2019 after the birth of her second child and later rejoined Graduate Programs on a part-time basis in January 2022 as the MBA/MSADA Events and Social Media Manager. Kim plans and executes all MBA/MSADA program events and manages daily social media promotion. | |
| Graduate Programs Advisor Gabriella Rodrigues | B.S.B.A., Appalachian State University Gabriella Rodrigues serves as the Online MBA Program Advisor for the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. In this role, she provides academic advising and program support for online MBA students, assisting with course planning, registration, and progression toward degree completion. Gabriella holds an MBA with a concentration in Leading and Managing Human Resources from App State. Her experience includes graduate program support, event coordination, and student services, with a focus on enhancing the graduate student experience. She is committed to helping students navigate their academic journey and achieve both personal and professional success. |
