Michelle Carter Named MIS Quarterly’s DEI Director

August 21, 2024

MIS Quarterly has appointed Michelle Carter as the new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), furthering the journal’s efforts to address disparities within Information Systems.

Michelle Carter, a Professor of Information Systems at the University of Manchester's Alliance Manchester Business School, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role. She earned her PhD in Management Information Systems from Clemson University, and her research focuses include IT’s effects on identity and social change. Carter’s work is widely published in leading journals, including MIS Quarterly.

"I’m excited to take on this role," said Carter. "Inequities of opportunity exist across all academic fields, including Information Systems, which is closely tied to the tech industry—a sector often criticized for gender and racial disparities."

Carter, who previously served as a reviewer and associate editor for MISQ, stated that "my experience as a board member, author, and community member has shown me the importance of nurturing the potential in all submitted work." She plans to integrate DEI principles into the journal’s operations, confronting these inequities within academia.

She plans on implementing systematic approaches to collect and analyze author demographics and ensuring that the review process is fair and inclusive. "I believe in a data-driven approach to DEI," Carter explained, stressing the value of data on authorship, peer review, and editorial board composition to identify gaps in diversity and inclusion.

Carter's approach to DEI is deeply motivated by her identity, experiences, and previous leadership roles. She previously served as President of SIG Social Inclusion and Chair of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) DEI committee. She currently serves as the Director for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Alliance Manchester Business School, supplementing her career-long advocacy for equity in Information Systems.

Carter sees significant opportunities to advance DEI within the journal and the broader community. She emphasizes the importance of supporting the growth of diverse editorial talent, with a focus on future leadership. "The broader MISQ community plays a vital role in these efforts by actively engaging with our DEI initiatives," she said.

Carter’s appointment as Director of DEI reflects MIS Quarterly’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive academic environment, ensuring that all scholars have equal opportunities to shape the future of Information Systems.