The IST Advisory Board was founded in 1999 to further the partnership between Penn State and the world of information sciences and technology. John A. Meyer, CEO and president of Acxiom Corporation, is chair.

Bringing together representatives of the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), its faculty, and its students with top-level executives in IT, the board continues the vital tradition of education-industry partnership on which the college was established.

The board also is a source of business and industry expertise, ensuring that IST's programs of teaching, research, and outreach are in tune with current and future trends in information sciences and technology.

Providing leadership in the college's “For the Future” campaign efforts, the board assists IST with developing career opportunities for students and making connections with industry and government.

In addition, the board looks for ways to enhance the educational experience of IST students through internships and learning opportunities based on real-world problems.