Advisory board bolsters CIS curriculum
April 19, 2025
Dakota State College of Business & Information Systems faculty and industry leaders met to discuss the current state and future prospects of the Computer Information Systems (CIS) curriculum.
These meetings are held to help DSU curriculum and programs ensure they stay current with industry trends. The board provides input regarding curriculum, the internship process, and professional events to help with strategic planning in information systems programs.
Dr. Andy Behrens, a DSU faculty member, relayed student feedback expressing concern that promoting the CIS program as a bridge between technical and business domains may unintentionally create the impression that graduates are less technically prepared, highlighting a potential opportunity to better communicate how the program prepares students to have strengths in both technical and business areas.
In addition to underscoring the technical and business acumen of CIS students, the advisory board and faculty agreed that incorporating more real-world project experiences, and building up industry engagement through partnerships and guest lectures from leading industry professionals will help students build their network before graduating.
Advisory board member, Madhu Gottumukkala, Commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications at the State of South Dakota and a DSU alumnus, added that developing real-world project opportunities through alumni involvement in a capstone project would enhance the practical training of students. Alumni could serve as mentors, which would provide students with valuable industry insights and expectations.
Jeff May, Chief Information Officer at East River Electric and advisory board member, emphasized the difficulty of recruiting information systems professionals compared to those with cybersecurity experience, drawing attention to the need for more professionals in information systems roles.
Attendees ended the meeting by agreeing that a continuous feedback loop from industry partners and alumni is necessary to keep the curriculum relevant. The College of Business & Information Systems plans to query employers and alumni through surveys to gather insights on graduate performance and industry trends, as they develop new opportunities for CIS students.