Penn State Scranton’s Alan Peslak Honored

Penn State Scranton Professor of Information Sciences and Technology Alan Peslak has been named the 2025 Computer Educator of the Year by the International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS). The award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization, was presented earlier this month during the IACIS annual conference in Pensacola, Florida.

The Computer Educator of the Year award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional research and teaching achievements, and who have made significant contributions to the fields of information systems (IS), information technology (IT) and computer science. Recipients are selected for their national and international impact on information science education and scholarship.

Peslak, who also serves as professor in charge of Penn State’s information technology degree program and as information sciences and technology discipline coordinator for the University’s 14 Commonwealth Campuses, has played a key role in advancing IT education across Penn State.

He recently co-chaired a University-wide committee to design the new IT degree focusing on broad-based technology skills for entry-level professionals, particularly in small and medium-sized organizations.

“I am very proud to be a part of advancing the field of Information technology in our society,” Peslak said. “Our discipline is leading the way in improving the lives of everyone by using technological resources to improve health, manufacturing, businesses, the environment and nearly every aspect of society. And the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate improvements in everyday life is nothing short of revolutionary. I am privileged to be a part of Penn State and help prepare our students to use technology to further our progress and address the major challenges we face in the world.”

Peslak joined Penn State more than two decades ago after a 25-year career in the private sector, where he served as vice president of finance for Akzo Nobel. His research explores the societal and ethical implications of information technology, social media and artificial intelligence.

He has authored 131 peer-reviewed publications, including 87 journal articles, with more than 2,200 citations and an i10-index of 50. His work has earned numerous honors, including the 2020 Ben Bauman Award for Excellence from IACIS and the 2012-13 Information Sciences and Technology Statewide Faculty Member of the Year award at Penn State, as well as being named a fellow by the International Educators Association: Information Systems & Computing Academic Professionals, a non-profit organization for academics in information systems and computing.

In addition to his research and teaching, Peslak has also been a leader in global collaboration through the Experiential Digital Global Exchange (EDGE) program, partnering with institutions such as the University of Auckland in New Zealand and Seifullin Agrotech University in Kazakhstan to connect students globally via technology-driven learning.

Peslak also contributes to the broader academic community through service on multiple editorial boards and as a reviewer for leading journals, including the Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Computer Information Systems and Communications of the ACM.