Virginia Commonwealth University

brought to you by VCU's department of Information Systems

Testimonials

Business leaders and students alike have positive things to say about the FTEMS Program.

FTEMS grads "coveted"

Mike HoldrenI believe that VCU has taken an unprecedented step in reaching out to the business community for input into the FTEMS course development. That demonstrates to me that VCU is keenly interested in preparing material that is current, relevant, and in sync with the skills that we as IT leaders are seeking for our managerial and senior level positions.

I predict that graduates of this program will be highly coveted and recruited by Richmond employers.

- Mike Holdren, Vice President Information Systems, First Health Services Corporation

Comprehensive Perspective

The VCU Executive MS in Information Systems Program is unique in that there is such heavy involvement from the business community. I received my MBA from VCU several years ago, and the one aspect of that program that really impressed me was the interaction and contacts I made with other business professionals in the Richmond community who were students in the program just like me. With the Executive MS in Information Systems, this concept is taken to a new level. Not only do students get the benefit of each other’s real-world experiences, but they also get insight from IT Executive practitioners from local businesses who teach 50% of the course work. Students have the opportunity to discuss current trends and issues in IT with both academicians and IT practitioners. They get a comprehensive perspective for the alternative approaches to managing the complex IT challenges that face them in today’s changing business environment. The VCU Executive MS in Information Systems Program addresses both the form (50% academic, 50% business practitioner) and function (from change management to information security to ERP) that is relevant to today’s IT leaders.

- Wayne Puglisi, Vice President, Director of Information Technology , C. F. Sauer Company

True Collaborative Effort

Connie FruddenI support this program because it not only teaches best practices for the IT industry but it incorporates lessons learned by leaders in the local IT community. Changes are a constant in the IT world, and it is just as important to keep up with new practices and disciplines as it is to keep up with the newest technology. This program lays the groundwork for this. It is a true collaborative effort between the academic world and the business world.

- Connie Frudden, Vice President, IT Application Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Global Organization

VCU’s Department of Information Systems has moved to the next level with this executive program. Given the incredibly rapid shifts in the delivery of information technology, I believe this program has come at just the right time. Now, more than ever, emerging IT leaders need the knowledge and skill to build global organizations that can be virtual, flexible, and scalable to sustain strategic advantage and support future innovation. I believe the involvement of the business community in the design and delivery of this program will help guarantee both its relevance and quality. I am fully supportive of the academic-business partnership and believe that this program will become a beacon for future MS executive programs in Information Systems.

- Jean Gasen, Ph.D., President, JB Gasen and Associates

Best in Management Techniques

I have seen many talented and outstanding IT individuals work through the ranks into a management position whereby they fail miserably. The fault usually is not that of the individual. Unfortunately, the assumption is that if someone excels in a particular field such as networking or programming, then that person automatically will be a good manager or director. This assumption is simply not the case. VCU’s Fast Track Executive Master of Science (FTEMS) program with a focus on Information Technology Management helps address the “management gap” and should be a vital part of any IT professionals’ career path. This program is a Godsend to many of us in the business community who need good managers. With this program combining the best in management techniques, real-world experiences, and leadership examples from business and academic professionals the management gap that exists today for many in IT should fade completely away.

- Chuck Rohm, Chief Security Officer, Performance Food Group

Program Students and Graduates Speak Out

Kitty TurnerThe program provided me with a broader perspective on current and emerging management and technology issues in IT. It helped to solidify my management thought processes in terms of leading an IT organization and communicating the value of IT to business.

- Catherine (Kitty) Turner, Class of 2007


Bruce SloughThe phenomenal involvement by Richmond’s leading IT managers is a strong testimonial to its value and reputation.

- Bruce Slough, Class of 2007



Andy McNeilAs a direct result of earning my Master's Degree in Information Systems from VCU's School Business, I have moved my career forward into Information Security management while increasing my income enough to cover the cost of the program in the first year of my new position.

- Andy McNeil , Class of 2007


Tim EllisonWithin the first three months of the program, two items we discussed in class have received direct executive support at my work, and are now being mandated. These were zero risk activities that cost the company little time and energy with major payoffs long-term and immediate payoffs short-term.

- Tim Ellison, Class of 2008