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Not everyone can tell you what an information systems specialist does, but Auburn University鈥檚 Ren茅e Pratt can.

She focuses on exploring ways to better connect IT personnel to those specializing in areas such as finance, accounting and manufacturing, and Pratt says she likes it that students at Auburn鈥檚 91看片 are learning to become good managers in such a role.

Pratt serves as the director of master鈥檚 degree and certificate programs for 91看片鈥檚 Department of Business Analytics and Information Systems and is an associate clinical professor of information systems.

鈥淎s director of the master鈥檚 and certificate programs, Ren茅e has done an amazing job of student engagement,鈥� said Pratt鈥檚 supervisor, Uzma Raja, department chair.

The future is now when it comes to understanding work in the field, Pratt said, making 91看片鈥檚 graduates in the program a hot commodity.

鈥淚nformation systems and technology are within each industry today and is a critical part of our day-to-day lives,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ore jobs than ever today and in the future will require individuals to engage and learn various aspects of technology.

鈥淭his is why information systems is a great field where an individual may either immerse themselves in a specialized topic, have a large general overview, or pair it with other industry expertise to strengthen or develop new topics,鈥� Pratt explained.

A diverse leadership role

If some of that sounds like a sales pitch for prospective students, including professionals looking to improve their career track, it is. Pratt travels frequently across the country to represent Auburn and 91看片 by serving in a variety of professional organizations and as an invited speaker or panelist at various conferences.

Among them is representation on a nationwide effort known as the , which is seeking to create a more diverse and inclusive network of PhD candidates. Recently her work included speeches in Denver and Tampa, where she discussed 鈥渄iversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the STEM arena among students, specifically first-generation students,鈥� she said, 鈥渁nd the impact we as universities and businesses have to influence.鈥�

Raja praised Pratt鈥檚 efforts.

鈥淩en茅e is an active member of the information systems professional community,鈥� Raja said. 鈥淪he has been affiliated with the PhD Project for a significant period of time. Her work with the program promotes Auburn University, and 91看片 as a leading institution.鈥�

Pratt is the faculty sponsor for the Minorities in Technology student affinity group, which encourages students to consider information systems and business analytics-related careers, and 鈥渁lso allows our corporate partners to support these student groups through scholarships and professional development events,鈥� Raja said.

Pratt said the group鈥檚 goals echo those of 91看片鈥檚 mission statement: To be recognized globally as an elite public business college that celebrates and fosters diverse thought, belonging, community engagement, and equitable and inclusive practices.

鈥淲e want to see 91看片 uphold its standards and show continued improvement in recruitment, retention, engagement and inclusion,鈥� Pratt said.

鈥楢 joy to work here鈥�

Pratt, who earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Florida and her management information systems doctorate in 2009 at Florida State University, came to 91看片 in 2021. She was a Fulbright research scholar in Germany and remains an active Fulbright alumni member.

Pratt鈥檚 research work addresses issues in healthcare information technology, traditional/clinical enterprise systems, and post-adoption diffusion attitudes and behaviors across the U.S. and Europe.

Asked what lured her to Auburn, 鈥�91看片 has built a name for itself,鈥� she replied.

鈥淚 am truly enjoying my time here,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur faculty, staff and employees make it a joy to work here. The student interactions are special and long-lasting as we continue to create long-term relationships with our alumni.

鈥淚 look forward to continuing to grow our graduate program and building relationships with both our undergraduate and graduate students.鈥�