Dr. Kristen Wilson’s journey as the ARBS Conference Chair began in March 2016 when she attended the symposium at Eastern Kentucky University. Inspired by the engaging environment and diverse topics, she eagerly accepted the role on the ARBS Conference Planning Committee. Nearly seven years later, her passion for the conference remains strong as she prepares to pass the torch to Dr. Julia Graham. In this Q&A, Dr. Wilson shares her motivations, experiences, and reflections on her impactful tenure.
1. What inspired you to be the ARBS conference chair, and what motivated you to continue in this role for many years?
Just before I joined the College of Business faculty in the Fall 2016 semester, I had the opportunity to attend the ARBS conference when it was hosted on EKU’s campus in March. The environment was engaging, people were friendly, and an entire array of interesting topics were being presented. It was an easy “yes” when asked if I would be interested in taking over the responsibility of representing Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Business on the ARBS Conference Planning Committee. Nearly seven years later, I’m still as passionate about ARBS as I was the first time I attended. I’m ready to pass the torch on to the very capable Dr. Julia Graham, but I will always be thankful for this wonderful experience. I know Julia will bring fresh ideas and continue to represent EKU with the utmost professionalism.
2. Can you share some of the most significant changes or developments you’ve witnessed in the symposium over the years and how these have impacted the quality and scope of the research presented?
Over the years, one of the most significant developments in the Appalachian Research in Business Symposium has been the addition of two new partner schools – Marshall University and Radford University. This expansion has greatly enhanced the diversity and quality of the research presented. With now six partner schools, including Appalachian State University, Eastern Kentucky University, East Tennessee State University, and Western Carolina University, the symposium has seen a broader range of topics, innovative methodologies, and multidisciplinary perspectives. This new collaboration has increased the research scope and fostered a richer exchange of ideas, ultimately raising the symposium’s profile and impact within academic and business communities.
3. What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a conference chair, and how do you overcome them to ensure the symposium’s success?
The COVID-19 pandemic was probably the most significant challenge I endured. We were scheduled to host the conference in March of 2020, and as the world shut down, we canceled the conference only weeks before its start. That year, in the midst of unknowns, we were still able to put together Conference Proceedings for all accepted proposals and short papers. We rescheduled the conference at EKU for the following March, but due to travel restrictions still in place, we decided to run the conference 100% virtually. Finally, in 2022, we welcomed our ARBS colleagues back to the Campus Beautiful for an in-person conference. So, all in all, I was responsible for three conferences in a row and served as the program chair and proceedings editor for all three! A lot of work, but certainly rewarding.
4. What are the critical benefits for researchers and professionals participating in the Appalachian Research in Business Symposium? How does the symposium, with its rich history of impactful research, contribute to the broader academic and business communities, inspiring hope and progress?
The Appalachian Research in Business Symposium (ARBS) offers several critical benefits for both researchers and business professionals. First, ARBS brings together a diverse group of academics, industry professionals, and students, which promotes meaningful networking opportunities that can lead to future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and career advancements. Second, the symposium provides a platform for presenting cutting-edge research, sharing innovative ideas, and discussing current trends in the business field. Third, is the opportunity for professional development. Attendees improve their presentation and communication skills, receive constructive feedback on their work, and stay updated on the latest methodologies and technologies in their field. Finally, ARBS’ regional focus makes it ideal for many academics and practitioners in the area. Because ARBS emphasizes research pertinent to the Appalachian region, the conference supports regional development and also allows researchers to contribute to meaningful change within their communities.
