Jack and Patti Phillips Workplace Learning and Performance Institute | Contacts | Heather Annulis, Ph.D.

Heather Annulis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Tel: 228.214.3517; Fax: 228.214.3343
heather.annulis@usm.edu

Dr. Heather Annulis is a tenured, associate professor in the College of Science and Technology at The University of Southern Mississippi.  Prior to coming to Southern Miss in 2000, Heather served as Training Manager of a gaming facility in South Louisiana. Heather earned a Ph.D. in International Development and a master’s degree in Communication from The University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, respectively.
            Over the last eight years, Heather has been instrumental, in generating over $4 million in external funding for Southern Miss.  Associated with this funding was research conducted through NASA to help develop a well-trained geospatial workforce.  Results of the research include a Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM), a GTCM Online Assessment Tool, a Web Portal for Geospatial Workforce Development Information, and a Workforce Readiness Scorecard for implementation of the GTCM.  Heather’s work has also been funded through the Department of Labor to implement the GTCM in the Geospatial Technology Apprenticeship Program.  She regularly speaks to national audiences on the results and impact of this research.
            Heather serves as the Director of the Master of Science in Workforce Development executive format program. She helped launch a Ph.D. program in Human Capital Development in fall 2006 at Southern Miss.  In addition, she serves as Director of the Training and Development Certificate Program designed for Human Resource Development professionals to gain workplace competencies.  In 2003, NASA honored Dr. Annulis with the Public Service Group Achievement Award for her work on the National Workforce Development Education and Training Initiative team.  In 2002 and 2006, the Southern Growth Policies Board recognized Annulis at the Southern Governor’s Association Conference as an Innovator in Workforce Development.  Also, in 2006 Annulis earned the credential of Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) from the American Society for Training and Development and the status of Pilot Pioneer.  She was named one of Mississippi’s 2006 Top 40 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal. Most recently, she was named as a 2007 Distinguished Professor of e-Learning for the Southern Miss Gulf Coast.  She was elected in January of this year as President of the Gulf Coast Faculty Council and serves as a Faculty Senator for Southern Miss.
            Heather’s research interests include developing and implementing competency models, determining return of investment of performance improvement programs, and creating change readiness in organizations.  She has presented at regional, national and international conferences on these subjects. 
            Heather is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, the International Society of Performance Improvement, the Society for Human Resources Management, and the Academy of Human Resource Development. She is committed to helping students develop professionally and enjoys seeing them succeed.  
            She resides in Pass Christian with her husband and six year old daughter.