About

Alanah Mitchell serves as the Dean in the Larry and Kathleen Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University and Aliber Distinguished Professor of Information Systems. Her background is in information technology with expertise in technology-driven processes and change, particularly related to technology-supported collaboration. Prior to her role as Dean, Alanah served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Chair of the Department of Information Management and Business Analytics, and Co-Director of Data Analytics. Before joining Drake University, Alanah was a faculty member and researcher in the John A. Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University.

Professor Mitchell is actively involved in the information systems and technology research community having published over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Her research focuses on the design, implementation, and use of information and communication technologies for collaboration, specifically in global virtual teams. Additionally, Professor Mitchell researches in the areas of information technology management, e-commerce, and information systems pedagogy. She has published in such journals a AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction, Business Horizons, Communications of the Association for Information Systems, DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, Electronic Markets, Group and Organization Management, Information Technology and People, IT Professional, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, and Organizational Dynamics as well as others. Alanah is a Distinguished Member - Cum Laude of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) as well as a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Professor Mitchell has taught a number of undergraduate and graduate courses covering topics related to the foundations of information systems, information technology management and strategy, global information systems, database management, business analytics, systems analysis and design, web development, and IT innovation and emerging technologies. Alanah's research and teaching experience also extends to executive education as well as speaking and other consulting projects. Professor Mitchell’s consulting clients have included General Mills, Holmes Murphy, Principal Financial Group, Transportation Insight, U.S. Strategic Command Center, among others.

Alanah is active in a number of academic leadership and service activities. Alanah has served in professional organization leadership roles, including serving as the President for the AIS Special Interest Group on IT Project Management from 2013-2016 and the President of the Midwest Association for Information Systems (MWAIS) from 2022-2023. Her conference leadership positions include serving as a Program Co-Chair for AMCIS 2016 in San Diego, CA, Program Co-Chair for MWAIS 2020 in Des Moines, IA, and Program Co-Chair for AMCIS 2023 in Panama City, Panama. Alanah also served as the inaugural Associate Vice President of Conference Management Systems for AMCIS from 2018-2020. In recognition for her leadership and service, Alanah has received the AIS Saundra Slaughter Service Award (2019), the Drake CBPA Blue Star Award for Leadership (2020), the AIS SIG ITProjMgmt Leadership Excellence Award (2021), and the AMCIS Outstanding Conference Service Leadership Award (2022).

Prior to Dr. Mitchell's academic career, she worked as a web developer for Hayneedle. She also worked in the IT department at Vermeer Manufacturing.

Personally, Alanah enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and being outdoors.

Contact Info



Professional Profiles