About Dr. JI was born and raised on a ranch in Thayne, Wyoming. Thayne is about 55 miles south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and is one of several small communities located in Star Valley, Wyoming. One of the small communities is home to Rulon Gardner, 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist. My given name is pronounced like "Sean." Even though it is spelled 'Jon which looks like it would be pronounced like "John." The name comes from my father, who wanted me to be different. I enjoy reading Louis L'Amour westerns, playing racquetball, cooking breakfasts, and spending time with my family. In 2004, I was honored by the MIS Student Association at the University of Oklahoma during the "Faculty Roast" portion of the Annual MIS Awards Banquet. EducationI received a BS and a MAcc degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University in August 1994. Although it may seem odd that I received two different degrees at the same time, it is possible via the 5 year MAcc program. I earned a Ph.D. degree in Management Information Systems from Florida State University in May 1999. Personal BeliefsI am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The beliefs of this church are centered around Christ. The church headquarters are in Salt Lake City Utah. To learn more about the church, please see the Official Information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints webpage. I served as a missionary for the church in southern Germany from January 1987 to January 1989. I lived in many different places in southern Germany and speak fluent German (at least I used to speak fluent German!). Family InformationI am married and have six children. When I am not in my office at the university, I spend my time with my family. We like to read. Some of our favorite authors are Frank L. Baum, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, Eleanor Estes, Don and Audrey Wood, Dr. Seuss, Wilson Rawls, Graeme Base, and Roald Dahl. |
