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Professor Craig Conrad
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Professor Dennis Devolder
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Associate Professor Greg Woodruff
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WIU College of Business and Technology Announces New Department Chairs

September 28, 2012

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MACOMB, IL – Three new department chairs have been recently named within the Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology (CBT).

Marketing Professor Craig Conrad has been named interim chair of the management and marketing department; computer science Professor Dennis Devolder has been named interim director of the School of Computer Sciences and Associate Professor Gregg Woodruff has been chosen chairperson of the accounting and finance department.

Conrad, who received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Western in 1989 and his MBA from Western in 1991, joined the WIU faculty in 2001. Prior to that time, Conrad worked at the University of Tennessee-Martin and at Wingate University.

Conrad has written numerous journal articles and his background includes consulting experience with companies such as Coca-Cola Mexico, Inc., the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) and Mitsubishi. He has served on the Western Illinois Credit Union Board of Directors and the Academic Outreach Council of the Mobile Marketing Association.

"While the economy has, in general, has posed significant challenges, opportunities for students and graduates of the disciplines in the department of management and marketing remain plentiful," Conrad said. "I look forward to working with our faculty to further institutional goals and foster an environment where students learn interactively. Strengthening relationships with the business community and alumni will help significantly in this area."

Devolder has been named interim chair for the second consecutive year. He received his bachelor's degree in health sciences in 1983 from WIU, followed by his master's degree in computer science in 1989 from Western and his doctoral degree from Florida State University.

Devolder joined the WIU computer science faculty in 1996 as an assistant professor and focused his teaching on computer architecture and digital circuit design. He has been involved in research on computer-assisted instruction and computer-based distance learning systems and he has an extensive University service record.

"I'm very happy to have this opportunity," Devolder said. "In the past year we began a number of new initiatives in the School of Computer Sciences, involving program changes and significant facilities upgrades. With this reappointment I hope to see them through to completion and to get a few more underway."

Woodruff received his bachelor's and master's degrees in accountancy from Southern Illinois University and his doctoral degree from the University of Memphis (TN). He was awarded the WIU Honoring our Professors of Excellence (HOPE) award in 2009 and 2012, and he received an award for outstanding research, first place paper award for the University of Memphis Fogelman College's conceptual/theoretical category in 2006.

Woodruff is very active in professional and community service and he serves as the department's internship coordinator.

"Going through the accreditation process, I was reminded of the remarkable credentials of our faculty and that reaffirmed my decision to apply as chairperson," Woodruff said. "Our students have a tremendous drive to achieve. I've enjoyed working on the growth of our internship program and helping students prepare for the CPA exam. I look forward to a continued partnership with employers and alumni to help place students."


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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