NASHVILLE, Tenn. — MTSU professor Charlie Apigian, chair of the Department of Computer Information Systems, was recently named this year’s recipient of the “Community Leader of the Year” award presented by the Nashville Technology Council.

“We made a conscious effort to get out into the community to bridge the gap between employers and our students,” Apigian said. “These efforts led to working with individuals, organizations, and companies in the IT community that are a pleasure to work with.”

Dr. Charlie Apigian

The technology advocacy association announced winners of the ninth annual NTC Awards during a Jan. 25 ceremony at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.

According to the NTC’s website, the event brought together more than 600 attendees, representing more than 155 Nashville technology companies and related organizations. All were present to celebrate this year’s technology champions in 14 categories. For a full list of the winners, go to http://bit.ly/2DKKQeE.

Apigian, who bested two other finalists for the community leader award, thanked the university, the Jones College of Business and his department for allowing him “to go out and tell our story.”

“The number one concern in the marketplace is IT workforce development,” Apigian said. “It has been a mission of mine to work with K-12, two-year schools, higher education, government and our IT community to build our local talent.”

MTSU’s Department of Computer Information Systems offers a bachelor’s of business administration in information systems; a master’s in information systems with concentrations in business intelligence and analytics, IT project management, information system security and assurance, and general information systems; a minor in information systems; and an accelerate bachelor’s and master’s program.

Dr. David Urban

“Charlie and his department colleagues have done a great job working with the NTC to elevate our programs over the last few years,” Jones College Dean David Urban said. “Charlie has also been a real role model when it comes to community service and engagement, and this award recognizes him for that.”

Brian Moyer, NTC president and CEO, said the awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the region’s tech leaders.

“Whether it’s a company, a team, or an individual; a member of the ‘C-Suite’ or a developer; or a community leader or a diversity game changer, the NTC Awards recognize the people that are making Nashville the destination for creative and innovative technology, and contributing to Middle Tennessee’s growth and prosperity,” he said in an NTC release.

In his fourth year as a nominee for the award, Apigian said he feels like the university is “just get started with making an impact in the community.”

For more information about Department of Computer Information Systems in the Jones College of Business, go to http://mtsu.edu/cis.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)