Computer Information Systems

Dr. Brown serves as an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems in the John A. Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. Before earning his Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he spent three years as an Adjunct Instructor at Appalachian State (2008–2011), where he developed a true passion for teaching.

His research has appeared in Communications of the Association for Information Systems, International Journal of Mobile Communications, Business Communication Research and Practice, and Frontiers in Communication. Dr. Brown’s current research agenda examines the adoption and continued use of artificial intelligence, with particular interest in how emerging technologies shape communication, learning, and organizational behavior.

In the classroom, Dr. Brown emphasizes applied learning, strategic and analytical thinking, and technology‑enhanced instruction. He is committed to helping students understand how information systems shape modern organizations and how mobile and other forms of IS continue to transform communication and business processes.

Dr. Brown is actively engaged in professional service, reviewing for academic journals and conferences and contributing to departmental initiatives within the Walker College of Business. His broader professional experience includes teaching, curriculum development, service in Faculty Senate, and supporting students across diverse learning environments.

Journal Publications

Gaytan, J., Kelly, S., Berry, I., Brown, W., Cundall, M., Croucher, S. (2024) An Exploration of Student Dissent in Asynchronous Online Courses, Career and Technical Education Research, 49 (3), 103-123(21) https://doi.org/10.5328/cter49.3.103

Kelly, S., Brown, W., & Drye, S. (2024) Do We Burn Ourselves Trying to Save Face? Face Concerns as a Predictor of Subordinate Willingness to Self-Censor and Burnout. International Journal of Business Communication. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884221118896

Kelly, S., Drye, S., & Brown, W. (2023) Supervisor Listening as a Predictor of Subordinate Dissent, Communication Reports, 36 (1), 41-53 https://doi.org/10.1080/08934215.2022.2106502

Tovey, T., Kelly, S., & Brown, W. (2022) "The Relationships among Locus of Control, the Impostor Phenomenon, and Math Anxiety in Business Majors," International Journal for Business Education: Vol. 163(2). https://doi.org/10.30707/IJBE163.1.1660590612.882591

Brown, W. (2021) Successful Strategies to Engage Students in a COVID- 19 Environment. Frontiers in Communication. 6:641865. doi: 10.3389/fcomm.2021.641865

Kelly, S., Smith, T., Brown, W. (2020) Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Writing and Public Speaking Anxieties. Business Communication Research and Practice. Volume 3, Issue 2, 76-85.

Brown, W. and Palvia, P. (2020)” Differing Perceptions of Mobile Devices, Company Issued Devices and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)”. International Journal of Mobile Computing and Multimedia Communications (IJMCMC) Volume 11, Issue 3, 38-47.

Brown, W., Drye, S., and Kelly, S. (2020) “Tech Tips for Business Students.” Business Education Forum. Vol. 74, No. 4, 16-18.

Brown, W., Drye, S., and Kelly, S. (2017) "Resources for Teaching Business Students Social Media" Business Education Forum, Vol. 72, No. 1, 4-6.

Brown, W., and Palvia, P. (2015). “Are mobile devices threatening your work-life balance?” Int. J. Mobile Communications, Vol. 13, No. 3, 317–338.

Palvia, P., Jacks, T., and Brown, W. (2015) "Critical Issues in EHR Implementation: Provider and Vendor Perspectives," Communications of the Association for Information Systems: Vol. 36, Article 36.