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Academic Council

Academia have been a vital part of SIM for over 25 years — presenting at chapter meetings, conducting research, and supporting scholarship programs. SIM's Academic Council is built to deepen that partnership, connecting academic leaders with practitioners to advance IT research, education, and community impact.

Mission

To strengthen the connection between academic leaders and IT practitioners across SIM, while amplifying the role academics play in shaping the future of the profession.

 

Vision

A SIM community where academia and industry are deeply integrated, informing each other’s work and advancing IT leadership together.

Objectives

Our goal is to connect academics with SIM chapters through dedicated Academic Liaison roles at every chapter, collaborate on research initiatives with the Advanced Practices Council (APC) and MISEL, support scholarship, mentorship, and internship programs at the local and national level, and engage universities with strong IT programs and university CIOs in SIM activities.

 

Benefits

Members gain access to a network of IT practitioners and fellow academic leaders, along with opportunities to participate in research, speaking, and mentorship. They can also engage with SIM chapters, SIMposium, ICIS, AMCIS, and SIM Connect Live, while contributing to scholarship programs and supporting the next generation of IT professionals.

SIM Academic Programs

Connecting Academia + Practice

SIM Academic Council creates opportunities for academic leaders and IT practitioners to learn from one another—bringing real-world challenges into teaching and research while connecting SIM members with emerging ideas, talent, and academic expertise.

For Academic Leaders

Academic leaders gain direct insight into the challenges IT professionals face, helping identify real-world research opportunities, connect students with capstone project sponsors, and engage experienced IT leaders as classroom and guest speakers.

For IT Practitioners

IT practitioners gain access to academic thought leadership, emerging MIS, CIS, and computer science talent, and opportunities to help shape curriculum, workforce skills, internships, capstone projects, and collaborative research.

$1.37M+ in Chapter Scholarships

In 2026, SIM chapters collectively invested more than $1.37 million in scholarships—supporting students and strengthening the next generation of technology leaders.

STEM + Student Engagement

SIM chapters support mentoring, robotics, teen technology programs, university advisory boards, career panels, and other STEM initiatives.

Research + Thought Leadership

Academic leaders collaborate with SIM members on research addressing real-world technology and leadership challenges.

Research Connecting Theory to Practice

SIM Academic Council helps connect researchers and IT practitioners around issues shaping today's technology organizations.

Future of the IT Workforce

Research and focus groups exploring the impact of generative AI on the IT workforce.

Real-World Projects in MIS

Research examining how industry sponsors, students, and faculty contribute to successful real-world academic projects.

Cybersecurity Skills

Research examining the technical and professional competencies organizations need from cybersecurity talent.

How to Get Involved

The Academic Council is open to all SIM members.

Questions About Academic Council?

Mary Sumner

University of Oklahoma

Professor, Management Information Systems, Price College of Business