In July, Charles Petersen stepped into the role of chair of the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems (OM&IS). He took over for Chang Liu, who had previously served as chair of the department for a decade.
In this new role, Petersen will provide direction and support to faculty and staff, as well as students, within the department.
“Barsema Hall is abuzz this fall as students, faculty and staff all seem energized more than in prior years, as we put the COVID pandemic years behind us,” Petersen said. “My biggest responsibility will be developing teaching schedules that put our faculty in courses where they can be successful in educating our students.”
Petersen also hopes to reestablish the connection to the department’s Executive Advisory Council, alumni and business partners.
“We will need their guidance as we craft new courses and revise programs of study,” he said. “These ties allow us to showcase our amazing hard-working students for future employment and networking opportunities.”
Petersen looks forward to helping the OM&IS faculty to develop so they can be even more successful as teachers, scholars and leaders.
“This passion for excellence will lead the OM&IS department to continue to develop courses and programs study that are current and relevant for our students,” he said, adding that his biggest challenge will be following in the successful footsteps of Chang Liu.
“Chang successfully led our department for over 10 years, led the charge to develop our new Master of Science in Data Analytics program (MSDA) and recruited most of our outstanding faculty,” Petersen said. “I cannot hope to fill his shoes, so I will work to build on this foundation and keep the OM&IS department moving forward.”
Petersen also hopes to continue to grow the OM&IS team, with a new faculty member scheduled to join the department this fall. In addition, cutting-edge offerings will bring more opportunities to students.
“I want to work with our faculty to continue to develop innovative programs so that, when our students graduate, they are ready for today’s complex and demanding workplace,” he said. “So, what are the courses that should be in our degree programs and in our minor in business analytics? How do we incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain, for example, into our programs? And where can we add industry certifications, such as Python, R, SAP and Excel, into our courses?”
After 28 years as a professor at NIU, Petersen is eager to continue to tout what makes this university’s OM&IS program stand out from others.
“Our faculty and staff care about our students in a way that is unique when compared to other universities,” he said. “A lot of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and so they often feel they don’t belong at college, but we all see that they do belong here at NIU. We work with them to be successful. It is so rewarding to see their confidence grow as they blossom educationally.”
“We are so thrilled to have a leader like Charles in this important role,” said Interim Dean Denise Schoenbachler. “With his years on campus and his expertise as the Dean’s Distinguished Professor of OM&IS, Charles understands what makes this program so special. He knows the unlimited potential of College of Business students, and I know he will work tirelessly to ensure they are supported so they can accomplish their goals.”
