ECU’s David Batts named editor of international technology journal
Dr. David Batts has been named editor of the Journal of Technology Studies, a publication of the Epsilon Pi Tau international honor society for technology.
Dr. David Batts, an associate professor in East Carolina University’s Department of Technology Systems, has been named editor of the Journal of Technology Studies.
The journal, which is published twice per year, is a publication of the Epsilon Pi Tau international honor society for technology. Batts has been on the editorial board of the journal since 2011.
“It is focused on the depth and breadth of technology as practiced and understood in the past, present and future,” Batts said of the journal. “This can be technology within society and its relationship to other disciplines, comparative studies of technology development, implementation, and/or education, or new and emerging technologies, and technology’s role in shaping the future, to name a few.”
Batts said Epsilon Pi Tau Executive Director Kevin Howell approached him about becoming the journal’s editor. After discussions with colleagues and Dr. Tijjani “TJ” Mohammed, chair of the Department of Technology Systems, Batts said he agreed to be considered and was selected from a group of five candidates.
“I believe that I can make the journal better, and it will bring honor to East Carolina University and the Department of Technology Systems,” he said.
Batts said he is talking with colleagues and stakeholders to get a better sense of what the journal needs.
“From my experience with the journal, I would like to see the number of articles published in volumes increase, which would mean that we would need to increase the number of articles submitted,” he said. “That would mean a better marketing campaign and exposure for the journal. The other obvious goal is to increase the number of members on the editorial board. I have worked with the executive director and have added an associate editor. This is key for smooth transition of editors. I am excited to move the journal forward and to make an impact on the journal.”
Epsilon Pi Tau began in 1929, eventually expanded to all 50 states and includes international chapters in places such as Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and Thailand. It is considered the premier academic and professional honors group for higher education technology and workforce programs, and professionals in practice. Batts went through the process of reactivating ECU’s chapter in 2015 and serves as its faculty advisor. ECU’s Beta Mu chapter has about 280 members.
Batts took over the Bachelor of Science in industrial technology program in 2005, and in 2019, the program received the John R. Bourne award for outstanding online program from the Online Learning Consortium.
“It is easy to do the same thing year after year. However, you cannot move forward without taking chances and stepping into the unknown,” Batts said. “I took over the BSIT in 2005 with 170 students and have grown it to over 650 students currently. I enjoy trying to build and expand programs. (The journal) is already in a good place, but there are always ways to improve, and hopefully under my leadership, we will do just that.”
More information on the journal is available online. Anyone interested in Epsilon Pi Tau at ECU can contact Batts via email.
— By Ken Buday