What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Dr. Alexander Mechitov, professor of management information systems in the Stephens College of Business.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I have been living in Montevallo for the last 23 years. My wife and I came here from Russia, where I got my education and worked for 16 years at the Russian Academy of Sciences.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in, and from what schools?
I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Moscow State University in Moscow, Russia, and doctorate in Systems Analysis at the Institute for Systems Studies. It was and is one of the leading institutions of the Russian Academy of Sciences with a very diverse multidisciplinary research agenda that combines studies in math and economics with social studies.
How long have you worked here?
I have been working in Stephens College of Business since 2001.
Did you hold any previous positions here? If so, what are they?
I came here as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 2006.
What brought you to Montevallo?
The University of Montevallo has many attractive features. First, its small size shortens the communication channels at both college and university levels, which makes it easier to connect to students, solve any problems and establish social connections throughout the campus. I think my wife and I were the first Russian faculty on campus, and we were surrounded by warm attention and some curiosity. Second, it has a truly charming campus where it is nice to spend not only your office time. Over the last 10 to 15 years, it has become even better with so many new well-designed buildings.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
Over my long tenure here, I had a chance to work with many presidents, provosts, deans and colleagues. What is interesting and important to me is the ability of this school to keep a very collegial and very friendly atmosphere. You are always welcome in any room and any office on campus, and everybody here is very responsive. In particular, the University is tremendously supportive of faculty scholarly projects. Whether you need additional funding for research projects, conference participation or additional equipment, you know that your request will be seriously considered.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
Over the last four or five years, I have been running an extensive student research program in Stephens College of Business. It gave me a rare opportunity to very closely connect with very bright young students while helping them advance their research projects, which they proudly presented at the University and regional Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) conferences, and even made their own first publications. While it takes a lot of time and effort, it is extremely rewarding to watch their progress.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
I am highly satisfied with my research record at the University of Montevallo. My scholarly projects, including those done in cooperation with my colleagues, helped me to hold the endowed chair position at Stephens College of Business for two consecutive terms. Along with the University Scholar award and the Best Graduate Teacher award, these are my most important achievements.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
As it is said in one popular commercial, thanks to 3P: people, people and people — which in this case means my colleagues, both current and those who have retired, students and a broad campus community.
Anything else you want to say?
I know I will miss the school and 3P when I retire.
