MEDIA, Pa. — Godwin Izibili joined Penn State Brandywine as a lecturer of information sciences and technology in August. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Benin in Nigeria and two master’s degrees in information technology and business administration from Emporia State University in Kansas. With previous experience as an instructor at Garden City Community College in Kansas, Izibili said he is looking forward to having a positive impact on students during their time at the University.
Brandywine: What courses are you teaching this semester?
Izibili: This semester, I will be teaching Information, People and Technology (IST 110), Organization of Data (IST 210) and Information Technology Project Management (ETI 302).
Brandywine: What made you interested in teaching at Penn State Brandywine?
Izibili: I liked how small Penn State Brandywine is. You get a blend of a small-campus feel and a close community with Penn State resources. Penn State Brandywine has a very welcoming community, and the demographic of students is much more diverse than where I’ve taught previously.
Brandywine: What is your background and previous experience?
Izibili: After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I worked in mechanical engineering. I worked at an automobile plant in Nigeria. I did that for a few years and then started my own business, where I began working in IT. As I was managing my business, I realized I didn’t have enough resources to scale up, so I joined another company where I became chief of operations.
During that time, I also started teaching people how to use certain technologies across Nigeria, and I figured I should go back to school and get my master’s degree so I can teach. I ended up getting two master’s degrees: one in IT and one in business administration. After obtaining both degrees, I began teaching at Garden City Community College before moving here.
Brandywine: What are your research interests?
Izibili: I’m interested in researching artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, big data, and leader-member exchange theory, also known as LMX. The theory discusses how leaders have different relationships with individual team members, which impact their performance.
Brandywine: What made you interested in pursuing a career in IT?
Izibili: Firstly, I’m interested in technology. I always have been. Also, regardless of what field you decide to work in, IT is going to affect you in some capacity. IT has a place for everyone; it’s not just coding.
Brandywine: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Izibili: In my free time, I enjoy reading, talking with my partner, playing piano and playing soccer.