Technology is ever-evolving, and so too is the landscape of Management Information Systems (MIS). With the academic year kicking off, we are excited to be highlighting Dr. Susan Brown, the Stevie Eller Professor and department head of Management Information Systems in the Eller College of the University of Arizona.
As a trailblazer in the field of MIS, Dr. Brown, or Sue as she is often known, is also at the forefront of understanding the advancements in gender balance. The UA MIS department has been successful in attracting a significantly higher percentage of women compared to the broader tech industry, and Sue attributes this achievement to the unwavering commitment and passion exhibited by her exceptional team of faculty and staff.
Throughout her time at UA, Sue has been actively engaged with junior faculty in the MIS discipline, aiming to continue the tradition of support she received from senior women in the field. Sue notes the importance of women lifting each other up. It is her belief in lifting others up and leading by example that has contributed to the MIS program's success in attracting more young women to the field. Her call for encouraging women to support each other's accomplishments resonates as a powerful strategy for breaking down gender disparities.
Noting that MIS is particularly well suited for women interested in the technology field, Sue highlights the combination of both the technical and human aspects. In order to attract more women to STEM fields, she highlights the importance of reevaluating job postings to attract a more diverse pool of applicants. She envisions a future where AI and technology open doors for more individuals to enter computing fields, creating a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape.
Sue's emphasis on the value of diversity in decision-making and problem-solving underscores the transformative impact it can have on businesses, communities, and schools.
"The greater the diversity we have in the room, the better our decisions are. If everyone has the same background, we will approach an issue with the same questions. But if we have individuals from different experiences, they will ask different questions. Diversity of thought is so important to identify unintended consequences of technology."
Sue entered into the world of academia with a strong foundation in both technology and management. Armed with a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Syracuse University, her academic prowess was nurtured through years of dedication and hard work. Prior to her MBA, she honed her skills as a programmer/analyst and IS manager in a hospital, gaining real-world insights that would later enrich her academic endeavors.
In 2005, Sue joined the Eller College as an associate professor with interests in the motivations and consequences of IT use, diffusion of misinformation, mediated interactions, and research methods. Her contributions have been recognized and supported by funding from prestigious organizations like the National Science Foundation.
Sue's journey hasn't just been about research and leadership in the academic realm; it's been about empowering individuals and fostering diversity within the field. She reminds us that "Above all else, be true to yourself." As she notes, what works for someone else, may not work for you - embrace what is comfortable for you. Her journey exemplifies that leadership isn't about conforming to stereotypes but about bringing one's authentic self to the table.
Sue's passion for teaching, her dedication to her faculty and students, and her commitment to creating a welcoming environment make her an invaluable asset to the MIS community. As she takes on the role of Editor-in-Chief of MIS Quarterly in 2024, her influence will undoubtedly shape the discourse and direction of the field.
In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are imperative, Dr. Susan Brown's journey serves as a testament to the power of embracing one's true self, lifting others up, and working collectively to build a more inclusive future for all. Thank you, Sue for all you are doing to #EmbraceEquity and build a brighter future for women in the tech industry!