SACS names department chairs and new faculty
Dean Fortune Mhlanga announces department chairs, faculty, enrollment management staff, and research faculty and staff for the School of Applied Computational Sciences.
Dr. Qingguo Wang is chair of the Computer Science and Data Science Department. He began his tenure at Meharry Medical College in January 2021 and also holds the role of professor, computer science and data science.
Dr. T.L. Wallace started in July 2021 and is chair of the Biomedical Data Science Department and is professor of computational sciences. His extensive experience in academics, industry and research includes serving as an investigator and research consultant to NASA and the Department of Defense and receiving the 2015 Dean’s Award for Researcher of the Year for the College of Computing & Technology at Lipscomb University.
“Both Dr. Wang and Dr. Wallace are proven academic leaders who will establish a strong foundation for teaching and research for our new departments,” says Mhlanga.
The School has also announced new appointments to bolster its teaching and research activity as well as a new staff to lead student recruitment and professional development efforts.
“Advancing scholarship by innovating through academic excellence and impactful research is key to our mission,” says Mhlanga. “Bringing these proven professionals on board is important to the continued growth of our School in both areas.”
Dr. Tim Coburn started in July 2021 as professor of data analytics, interim chief data scientist, and interim director, Advanced Computing and Analytics Laboratory. He has had an extensive career focused on interdisciplinary applications of statistics, analytics, data science and systems, and computing at the interface of business, science, engineering, and technology.
Dr. Long Nguyen started in September of 2021 as assistant professor of computer science and data science. He was previously a lecturer in the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University and also has extensive experience in software system development, project management, and team management at both international and local companies in Viet Nam.
David Locket assumed the position of grants proposal development and awards management specialist in August 2021. Previously he was an Albert Einstein distinguished educator fellow in the NASA Office of Stem Engagement.
Thomas and Porter join Enrollment Management
Minzi Thomas, Ed.D. is director of strategic professional development and enrollment management. She most recently served as director, special population division of workforce services at the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Tennessee reconnect navigator, middle region, Tennessee Higher Education Commission. She has also held two roles at Meharry Medical College: consultant, Office of Faculty Affairs and Development, and program manager, Communication and Outreach.
Miacia Porter joined the School as director of enrollment management. Porter was most recently registrar at Meharry Medical College. Prior to that role, she was the associate registrar at Howard University.
