A student favorite, Professor King is known for her energy and enthusiasm. She was recently named the interim director of the Partnership for Innovation Center. "I am very pleased to have Dr. King at the helm of the Partnership for Innovation," said college Dean J. Dennis Cradit.  "The innovative spirit is alive and well at the College of Business and I am confident Dr. King will successfully harness that energy to stimulate the center's growth."

The Partnership for Innovation Center promotes interdisciplinary research, teaching and service to the region through cooperation among different SIUC colleges.

"I was thrilled and honored to be selected to guide the development of this progressive initiative at the College of Business," King said.  "I will use this platform to provide assistance with development and commercialization of innovations in the Southern Illinois region."

King believes the interdisciplinary academic partnerships, combined with interaction and support from industry sponsors, alumni and members of the regional business community, should lead to the creation of an attractive, stimulating and progressive educational environment for students and faculty, and help to enhance regional economic growth.

King comes from a long line of innovators.  She belongs to "the third generation of 'business women' in my family," she said.  "Both my parents and grandparents were entrepreneurs, and my great grandfather created and patented a number of commercial agricultural inventions that are still in use today."

King grew up in Maine, where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees from University of Maine.  She received her doctorate from Indiana University.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Consumer Information Use and Choice Processes
• Conmsumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction and Complaining Behavior
• Consumer-Oriented Electronic Decision Aids

AWARDS

Selected as “Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher of the Year” for the College of Business and Administration, 1999.

“Top Twenty SIUC Professors” (selection made university-wide by The Mirror, (sponsored by SIUC Undergraduate Student Government), 1994

Selected for College of Business and Adminisgtration Undergraduate Teaching Honor Roll, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999.

Nominated for College of Business and Administration Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher of the year, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2005

Selected for College of Business and Administration Graduate Teaching Honor Role, 1996

Nominated for College of Business and Administration Outstanding Graduate Teacher of the year, 1996