Jessica Pye
June 22, 1985 - July 28, 2023
With great sadness: passing of Dr. Jessica Pye
It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that I convey the tragic news of the passing of our beloved former student, Dr. Jessica Pye. On July 28, she left us after an incredibly courageous battle with the rare condition known as Kohlmeier-Degos disease. Throughout her fight, Jessica exemplified unwavering fortitude, bravery, resilience, and determination—the same qualities that defined every aspect of her life.
Her academic journey was marked by excellence, dedication, and an enduring passion for the information systems field which she loved. She graduated in 2017 with a PhD in Computer Information Systems from the Center for Digital Innovation, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University. Since completing her doctoral studies, she was an Assistant Professor in the Information Systems Department at the W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University.
Her research made significant contributions to knowledge on how the institutional and regulatory contexts of firms influence how they create value with information technology and pursue digital innovation. Focused on the healthcare and electric utility sectors, her work propelled theory and practice on digital innovation and firm transformation within intricate institutional landscapes. Her work was published in the top information systems journals such as MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research and has received prestigious best paper awards.
Her impact as an educator was also exemplary. Caring deeply about her students and effusively passionate about teaching, she found immense joy in the success of her students.
Jessica was a driving force in fostering a supportive community for doctoral students and junior faculty. Her remarkable leadership within the AIS Doctoral Student Corner brought together doctoral students and faculty mentors from across the globe, fostering camaraderie and providing invaluable support. She played a pivotal role in spearheading the launch of MIS Quarterly's social media initiative and its workshops to develop authors and reviewers.
Jessica deeply loved her family and cherished her friends. She loved horseback riding and her feline companions, Pepper and Oliver, who occasionally joined her on her research Zoom calls, adding a touch of charm to the virtual meetings.
It was my privilege and honor to serve as Jessica’s dissertation chair and have her as a close friend and collaborator. Her positivity, curiosity and energy were infectious. Each encounter with her was a precious gift. She leaves an indelible mark in the lives of those that knew her.
She is survived by her husband Justin Pye, her nine-year old son Ethan Pye, her parents John and Barbara Haedrich, her sister Julie Kanara, and her brother Justin Haedrich.
The AIS Doctoral Student College Jessica Pye Memorial Fund has been established to honor Jessica’s leadership toward the advancement of doctoral students in information systems. Donations to the fund can be made at https://aisnet.org/page/donate.
In the coming days, we will share information on plans for us to celebrate Jessica’s life, share our memories and commemorate a cherished member of our community.
With heartfelt condolences,
Arun Rai
Georgia State University