May 1, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.—Richard Day of The University of West Alabama is a new Fellow of the British Computer Society, reaching the organization’s senior professional grade.

An assistant professor in the University’s computer information systems department, he is being recognized by the international professional organization for his experience, skill level, ethics and authority in the field.

Established in 1957, the British Computer Society (BCS) is the leading body for those working in information technology.

“The University is extremely pleased with Mr. Day's achievement in attaining the level of Fellow in the Society,” said Provost David Taylor. “This speaks well of not only Mr. Day, but also of the quality of our CIS program and our College of Business.”

A member of the West Alabama faculty for three years, Day began working in computer science in 1984, writing programs on an Apple II with computer languages that are now obsolete. He also served as manager of computing services at UWA in his first tenure at the institution.

Day says the year-long application process for the BCS recognition was well worth it.

“On a personal level, it is nice to receive recognition from my colleagues and peers,” he said. “However, my primary reason for wanting to rise in the ranks of this organization is the code of ethics and professional conduct to which members must subscribe. I hold these codes in high esteem.”

Day also holds the title of Chartered IT Professional (CITP), the British Computer Society’s "gold standard" chartered status that is awarded on the basis of peer assessment and recognizes quality and level of responsibility.

Because the computer and information technology field is only 50-60 years old, says Day, IT practitioners cannot call themselves professionals without being held accountable by a governing body. Organizations like the BCS help fill that void.

“It is very difficult to think of any parts of our daily lives that are not affected by computers and information technology. It is pervasive, with our government and economy depending on it,” he said. “Much the same way that attorneys go before the bar association, IT practitioners must be held accountable for the systems they develop and place into service because they have such an impact on society.” 

Privacy in the digital age is an especially big concern for Day. He says practitioners must be held personally responsible for making sure systems are secure enough to protect an individual’s most private information.

Day says his would like to serve as an officer in the BCS or a similar association. His goal is to spend the rest of his career teaching at UWA, and he hopes to start a student chapter of at least one professional organization for computer information systems majors.

“I fell in love with this field. It combines science with art, leaving room for creative expression.” Day said. “I want to continue to accomplish more, helping advance the profession by stressing the need for ethics, education and experience.”

He is a University of South Alabama philosophy graduate who also holds a master’s degree in computer information science from Troy University. Day is currently working on his doctorate in management and decision sciences with an emphasis in information systems.

Day is also a member of the Association for Computing Machinery, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Phi Kappa Phi and Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor societies.