John Stufken will join UNC Greensboro to head the new Master of Science in Informatics and Analytics (MSIA) program. He will direct the Fall 2019 launch and subsequent expansion of the MSIA. Initially, Stufken will focus on recruiting high caliber faculty and students, partnering with local industries to create a strong capstone experience for students, and maintaining an active research program.
Provost Dana Dunn said, “Informatics and analytics credentials are in high demand. Dr. Stufken brings an outstanding record of research and accomplishment to a high priority program designed to be responsive to employer needs.” Stufken will enter the director role with 18+ years of administrative experience, an extensive research background, and an exemplary track record of program development and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Stufken, the inaugural Charles Wexler Professor of Statistics at Arizona State University (ASU), currently serves as the coordinator for statistics for the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (SoMSS). Prior to ASU, Stufken served 11 years as head of the Statistics department at the University of Georgia (UGA). From 2000 to 2003, Stufken served as the program director for Statistics at the National Science Foundation. At NSF, Stufken collaborated on many interdisciplinary programs involving geosciences, computer science, biological sciences, and medical sciences.
Stufken has authored more than 75 publications, many in top refereed statistics journals, co-authored/edited two books, given approximately 100 invited presentations at professional conferences plus 70 invited research seminars. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Mathematical Statistics and the American Statistical Association and an Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute.
He will join UNCG July 1.
Stufken says, “It is exciting to see that, with its new MSIA program, UNCG will train students to acquire informatics and analytics skills that will equip them to be leaders in a data-driven world. A focus on these skills is not only important today, but will be invaluable for many years to come. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help build this program as its founding director.”
