School of Business Administration

The University of Dayton School of Business Administration’s Management Information Systems (MIS) Club took an important step forward in professional development and national engagement by attending the Association for Information Systems (AIS) Student Chapter Leadership Conference for the first time. Outgoing club president John Mack, incoming president Charlie Gardner, and MIS Club faculty advisor Dr. Donald Wynn traveled to the University of Alabama for the event, held March 27–29, where they joined students and faculty from top MIS programs across the country. Their participation marks a new chapter for the MIS Club at SBA—highlighting its growing momentum and commitment to preparing students for leadership in the ever-evolving field of information systems and technology.

The three-day conference featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, student competitions, and a strong emphasis on sharing innovative ideas. Mack and Gardner returned energized and inspired, carrying with them new strategies to strengthen the club’s programming and extend its reach on campus.

“I was driven to see that the club attend the AIS conference, especially since we were able to obtain our AIS certification this year,” said John Mack. “It was important to start a tradition of sending leadership. Personally, I was excited about the opportunity to engage with industry leaders as I prepare to enter the IT workforce.”

The conference opened with a high-energy welcome—dinner and a light show in Bryant-Denny Stadium, sponsored by HCA Healthcare. Attendees also heard directly from HCA’s CIO about how the organization maintained hospital operations during Hurricane Helene, offering real-world insights into IT crisis management. For both Mack and Gardner, the session was a highlight.

“The most memorable moment for me was listening to the CIO of HCA Healthcare talk about how his company responded to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina this past Fall” Gardner shared. Through his speech I learned a lot about how he views his role within healthcare and how he prioritizes patients and operational excellence.”  

Throughout the conference, the two students attended breakout sessions on cybersecurity, AI ethics, and leadership development. They connected with peers from across the country, exchanging best practices to bring back to Dayton. For Gardner, who now steps into the club’s top leadership role, the event helped shape a new vision.

“I found the AI panel to be most effective for me personally,” Gardner noted. “It featured industry leaders sharing insights on the ethical use of AI and how we can better educate ourselves. As a club, we’re now planning to bring in more diverse speakers, launch case study teams, and create programming with immediate relevance for members at all levels.”

That vision is well underway. The MIS Club already hosts professional development events connecting students with employers and alumni. Last fall, the club coordinated a well-attended alumni mixer at a UD women’s basketball game, building relationships among students, faculty, and alumni.

“I’m really proud of how the board—Secretary Cheruby Herbert and Vice President Logan Manes included—brought together over 50 people to network and build camaraderie,” Mack said. “Continuing to advance these connections will be valuable to the club and the department as a whole.”

Funding for the trip came from a combination of sources, including the Student Government Association, internal fundraising, generous gifts from alumni and adjunct faculty, and the support of the MIS department. Special thanks go to Dr. Donald Wynn, whose efforts were instrumental in making the trip possible.

“We both were able to gather ideas to further the club and its members, as well as find solutions to some shortcomings of the current term” Shared Mack.” The collaboration between Charlie and I, I am certain will help to benefit the club next year and continue with the great progress we have made. “

As John Mack prepares to graduate and begin his career with EY as a Technology Risk Assurance Staff in Pittsburgh, the baton passes to Charlie Gardner with confidence and excitement for what’s next.

“Capping off this year with the AIS conference helped set expectations,” said Gardner. “The MIS Club still has a great deal of potential and is only growing in the world that we live in today. John did a great job bringing us back in connection with AIS and making the MIS Club noticeable on campus. It will now be up to my team and I to continue that momentum and growth into the summer and beginning next semester.” Dr Wynn noted, "Last year's officers did a remarkable job and exceeded the expectations we had for them in terms of their impact on the students in the MIS Club. Now that the bar is set so high, I am excited to see how Charlie and the other officers carry things even further next year."

With a growing network, fresh ideas, and passionate student leadership, the MIS Club at the University of Dayton is poised to become a driving force in technology education, connection, and innovation within the SBA.