Pontikes Center For Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

About the Pontikes Center

The Pontikes Center for Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence is a first of its kind.

This unique virtual think tank combines big data and analytics with artificial intelligence to create optimum data impact.

The Pontikes Center is supported by a board of advisors which includes many of the top analytics specialist in business today. The board influences the path of collaboration and instruction, ensuring that our students have the training and knowledge they need to positively transform business. Board members also interact with students, both in the classroom and online.

The Center integrates several different industries, all of which are connected through analytics. These include: engineering, finance, health care, human resources, insurance, logistics, manufacturing and retail.

For more information about this center or the new analytics courses contact the SIU College of Business and Analytics at 618-453-2459 or at info@business.siu.edu.

Greg DeYong - Director, Pontikes Center

Gregory D. DeYong is an Associate Professor in the College of Business and Analytics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he serves as Director of the Pontikes Center for Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence and Director of the Center for Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

His research focuses on supply chain management, manufacturing and service operations management, inventory optimization, and anti-counterfeiting strategies. His published work examines key issues in competitive strategy—such as competing with strategic customers and market copycats—as well as newsvendor models and dishonesty in supply chains. This research appears in leading journals, including the European Journal of Operational Research (EJOR) and Manufacturing & Service Operations Management (MSOM). Beyond his academic research, Dr. DeYong actively bridges higher education and industry through collaborative partnerships, regional economic initiatives, and professional media commentary on business, supply chain management, and emerging technology integration.

Dedicated to applied learning and student career development, he leads center initiatives aimed at equipping students and regional business leaders with practical, data-driven frameworks for an AI-augmented economy.

Jim Nelson - Former Director

While celebrating his next chapter, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Jim Nelson from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, marking the conclusion of his distinguished service as Director of the Pontikes Center for Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Throughout his tenure, Jim played a pivotal role in advancing the Center's mission, fostering innovative research, and enhancing educational opportunities for students and industry partners alike. While he will be deeply missed across our campus community, we extend our sincere gratitude to Jim for his leadership and dedication, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.