Service Philosophy

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Dr. Lily Popova Zhuhadar received the 2021 Godron Ford College of Business Faculty Award for Student Advisement.

Philosophy on Service

In my academic journey, I have consistently recognized the integral role that service plays in advancing the objectives and aspirations of a department, college, university and our community. My commitment to service is driven by a genuine willingness to contribute, always aligning my efforts with the best interests of the profession, department, college, and institution.

Key Contributions

In my academic journey, my portfolio reflects a steady commitment to leadership, innovation, and service in various academic arenas. Over the past decade, I have engaged in over 100 service activities, undertaking responsibilities from directorships to leading significant committees. Among these endeavors, a few stand out as particularly impactful:

Directorship of the GFCB Center for Applied Data Analytics

• I assumed leadership of the GFCB Center for Applied Data Analytics in 2022. Under my guidance during the 2022-23 academic year, the Center emerged as a leading entity in producing diverse research grants and proposals, successfully securing $101,191 in research grants and awards.
• Of the aforementioned funds, 33% were strategically allocated to support the educational endeavors of GFCB students. A detailed breakdown of these allocations can be found in section eight of this document.
• Additionally, the Center initiated and led the 2023 campus-wide summer research enrichment workshops, with a significant participation of 119 individuals over 540 sessions. Further details regarding these workshops are also available in section eight.

Program Coordinator for the Business Data Analytics Undergraduate Program

In this role, I have diligently worked to refine the curriculum, ensuring that it remains current and responsive to the evolving demands of the data analytics field.

Leadership in Committees

• Since 2020, I have served as the chair of the Gordon Ford College of Business Research Excellence Committee. Among my initiatives, I played a key role in drafting the Bylaw for the Collaborative Quick Turns Grants (C-QTAG) and introduced the Annual GFCB Research Panel Discussion in 2022.
• Since 2022, I have served as the chair of the University Marketing and Publications Subcommittee for the WKU Student Scholar Showcase Advisory, effectively enhancing the visibility of student achievements.
• I led the Search Committee for the Instructor in Analytics and Information Systems position, successfully concluding with the recruitment of Mr. Adam Brownlee.
• From 2014 to 2016, I chaired the WKU Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholars program, promoting valuable academic exchanges.

College and Department Committee and Council Representations

In my capacity as the GFCB and AIS Representative, I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to various areas of academic governance. My steadfast dedication is underscored by my active participation in pivotal committees and councils, details of which are provided below,

GFCB Representative Engagements

• Acted as a member of the Associate Provost for Research Search Committee in 2016, which culminated in the successful appointment of Dr. Cheryl Davis, as championed by the then-provost, Dr. David Lee.
• Played a significant role in the Provost Ad-hoc Research Council Working Group Committee in 2015, an appointment bestowed by the former Provost, Dr. Gordon Emslie.
• Maintained an active presence in the University Research & Creative Activity Council since 2019.
• Demonstrated commitment through two terms in the University Graduate Council Committee, spanning from 2016 to 2019 and later, 2020 to 2023.
• Acted as the representative in the University Graduate Council Research Subcommittee across two tenures, mirroring the above-mentioned terms.
• Represented the GFCB in the University Faculty Undergraduate Student Engagement Committee.
• Extended representation to the University RCAP Committee.

AIS Representative Engagements

• In 2023, I conceptualized and launched the WKU Virtual Summer Research Enrichment Series. This initiative, grounded in comprehensive content, is designed specifically for faculty, staff, and graduate students, underscoring my dedication to continuous learning and academic advancement.
• Leadership in Annual Business Data Analytics Poster Competitions, 2015-2021.
• I actively promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by serving as the AIS Department representative on its dedicated committee between 2020 and 2022. In this capacity, I contributed to the development of a DEI survey.
• Since 2019, I have pioneered several impactful initiatives at WKU. I was instrumental in conceiving and founding the Innovation & Research Forum (IRForum), which has strengthened the collaborative ties between the WKU Office of Research and the Gordon Ford College of Business. Additionally, I spearheaded the introduction of the SAS Annual Training Workshops at WKU. These workshops, delivered in multiple formats, have catered to a broad spectrum of the academic community, including faculty, staff, and students.
• From 2015 to present, I participated in the Gordon Ford College of Business Research Excellence Committee as a representative of the AIS Department.
• In 2014, I represented the AIS Department on the Analytics & Information Systems Chair Search Committee.
• In 2014, I ensured the AIS Department's representation at the GFCB Governor's Scholars Day Event.

Editorial and Review Contributions

I have had the privilege of serving as an Associate Editor for three internationally recognized journals: The International Journal of Business Intelligence, The International Journal on Semantic Web and Information Systems, and The International Journal of Knowledge Society Research. Additionally, I have diligently undertaken reviewer responsibilities for the National Science Foundation (NSF) grants and esteemed journals, notably the Computers in Human Behavior Journal and the Telematics and Informatics Journal.