Dr. Randy Ryker
Professor of Computer Information Systems and Professional in Residence
Of all people, Dr. Randy Ryker knows he can use his computer to network with others across the world without ever leaving his home or office. Don’t expect him to trade in his suitcases for the latest computer model though.
Over the years, Ryker has traveled to Granada, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, Mexico, England, Ireland, Saint Lucia, Barbados and other destinations. He spent the 2002-2003 academic year teaching computer information systems at the University of the West Indies as a Fulbright Scholar.
In the United States, Ryker’s teaching career hasn’t been limited to computer information systems courses or Louisiana schools. For one year, he taught college-level sociology courses to inmates and guards at Florence State Prison, the only maximum security prison in Arizona.
Ryker was also the city-wide director of the Neighborhood Watch Program in Memphis, Tenn. He gave Neighborhood Watch Program presentations in the wealthiest and safest as well as the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.
Before coming to Nicholls State University in 1994, Ryker also served as a sociology instructor at both the University of Memphis and the University of Central Arizona.
Aside from teaching computer information systems, Ryker has developed a specialized computer networking laboratory at Nicholls where students can experiment with installing and testing local area networks. To keep costs low, Ryker arranged for the laboratory to utilize used computers, which also ease students’ concerns that they will break equipment while learning to set up networks.
Education:
B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of Memphis
Courses taught:
CIS 231 – Management Information Systems
CIS 310 – Data Communications
CIS 440 – Electronic Commerce
CIS 460 – Management of Information Systems
Contact information:
309B Powell Hall
Phone: 985.448.4738
E-mail: randy.ryker@nicholls.edu