MGA’s Warner Robins Campus Houses New Department of Computer Science

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Computing | Faculty/Staff | Students | Pressroom

Warner Robins, GA

The School of Computing at Middle Georgia State University (MGA) has launched the Department of Computer Science, housed at the institution’s Warner Robins Campus near Robins Air Force Base.

By spinning off computer science degree programs into a brand-new department, MGA is making reality of the strategic foresight outlined in the University’s academic master and strategic plans and fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and learning. The programs had been housed in the Department of Information Technology.

“This new department highlights our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality education in computer science and STEM programs in general,” said Dr. Alex Koohang, dean of the University’s School of Computing. “The new department is focused on providing education and conducting research in areas such as computer science education, human computer interaction (HCI), and artificial intelligence (AI). The field of computer science, particularly artificial intelligence, is revolutionizing industries and transforming daily life.”

Dr. Kevin Floyd, associate dean of the School of Computing, said the department will build upon the school’s existing strengths in IT and mathematics by expanding access to STEM education in the region.  The Department of Computer Science will become a center of excellence for education and innovation, driving advancements in a dynamic field.

“Students will have exceptional education and research opportunities,” Floyd said, “equipping them with the skills to thrive in high-demand careers.”

Dr. Myungjae Kwak, a School of Computing professor who joined MGA in 2011, is serving as the new department’s first chair. He said Warner Robins is an ideal location for the department’s programs and initiatives.

“It’s a growing city that hosts Robins Air Force Base, a hub for engineering and technological innovation,” Kwak said. “The proximity to the base, where numerous engineers and technical professionals work, creates a unique synergy between the academic environment and the practical, real-world applications of computer science.

“Also, several prominent tech companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, collaborate closely with the base, providing a wealth of opportunities for partnership and innovation. The presence of the base and its associated tech companies ensures a steady demand for highly skilled professionals in computer science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, making it an excellent site for cultivating the next generation of tech leaders.”

Kwak has an extensive academic and professional background in information technology and computer science. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University, as well as an M.S. in Computer Science from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Kwak has made contributions to the fields of software engineering, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. His research spans software engineering and security, biomedical informatics, and generative AI-based intelligent systems. His professional experience includes roles as lead software engineer and senior researcher in the industry, where he led teams in developing software solutions.

Other Department of Computer Science faculty members are Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, Dr. Joobum Kim, Dr. Jon Seol, and Dr. Stephanie Edge.

MGA launched both bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in computer science last fall, basing those programs in Warner Robins for in-person classes. Open to all qualified students, the degrees especially appeal to students of the Georgia Academy, a dual-enrollment program in development for high school students in Houston County. Students enrolled in the Georgia Academy on the Warner Robins Campus could potentially finish high school and graduate with computer science associate’s degrees at the same time.

For more information, prospective students interested in the computer science degree programs can contact Dr. Kevin Floyd at kevin.floyd@mga.edu, or Dr. Myungjae Kwak at myungjae.kwak@mga.edu. MGA's Warner Robins Campus is located at 100 University Boulevard, a half mile from the main gate of Robins Air Force Base.