Baker College dean leads international academic group to 'Outstanding" designation

Na “Lina” Li, Ph.D., a dean for Baker College Center for Graduate Studies, chaired a worldwide special interest group (SIG) for information systems professionals that was designated an “Outstanding SIG for 2014” by the Association for Information Systems (AIS). The award-winning group is the SIG on Human-Computer Interaction (SIGHCI). It has more than 320 members from nearly 50 countries on six continents.

“Receiving this honor is a great achievement accomplished through the collective efforts of the many SIGHCI advisors, officers and members,” said Li.

Li is dean of Baker College’s online MBA and Master of Science in information systems (MSIS) programs. Her one-year term as SIGHCI chair concluded June 30, 2015.

Chuck Gurden, vice president of admissions for Baker College Center for Graduate Studies, said, “Dr. Li’s contribution to her profession through SIGHCI enriches the experience and knowledge she brings into the classroom for Baker College’s MSIS students. They are learning from a well-respected leader in the field.”

SIGHCI members host conferences and workshops worldwide, publish journals and communicate on topics related to human-computer interaction within business, managerial and organizational contexts among AIS members and to the larger community of practitioners and scholars.

AIS is a professional association for individuals and organizations who lead the research, teaching, practice and study of information systems worldwide. SIGHCI is one of 21 AIS SIGs and chapters to receive the outstanding designation in this first year the award has been presented. It recognizes SIGs and chapters that do an outstanding job of supporting the AIS mission of serving society through the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of excellence in the practice and study of information systems. Information about the SIGHCI is available at www.SIGHCI.org.

“The hard work and dedication of the officers and members of the outstanding SIGs and chapters are truly impressive,” said Julie Kendall, AIS vice president of SIGs, chapters and colleges. “They have achieved success because of their willingness to invest their intellectual capital and sweat equity into their groups. Bravo!”

The Baker College MSIS offers two majors: information systems and business intelligence. The information systems major is designed for professionals responsible for managing the development, acquisition, implementation and operation of information systems in a variety of organizational settings. It emphasizes information systems theory and its application to business opportunities and challenges. Baker College is one of a few colleges to offer the business intelligence major, which focuses on the knowledge and technologies that assist executive decision-making and improve organizational productivity. It is designed for those who want to advance their careers in the rapidly growing field of business intelligence.

In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the median salary for computer and information systems managers as nearly $128,000. The job outlook is strong, with employment for those in this position projected to grow 15 percent between 2012 and 2022.

For more information about the Baker College MSIS program, contact Chuck Gurden in the admissions office at 800.469.3165 or adm-ol@baker.edu, or visit www.baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 28,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in distance education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.