Converse University hosts 5th Annual Data Science and Cybersecurity Week
September 21, 2026
Pictured is keynote speaker Dr. Grace Bagwell Adams ’07, Associate Professor of Housing Management and Policy in the Department of Financial Planning, Housing Policy, and Consumer Economics at the University of Georgia.
Converse University will hold its fifth annual Data Science and Cybersecurity Week from September 25 through October 2, 2026, with a focus on Data Insights in Public Health. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the United States and several other countries.
“What began as a targeted event for specialized majors has grown into a campus-wide platform highlighting how data drives every modern industry,” says Dr. Jessica Sorrells, Dean of the School of Business and Data Science and Associate Professor of Mathematics at Converse.
“Reaching our fifth year is a major milestone, and having industry partners step up as inaugural sponsors elevates our Data Science and Cybersecurity Week(opens in new tab) to a whole new level. Now, this week serves as a vital bridge between academics and real-world application, connecting our students directly to emerging trends and professional pathways.”
Events include:
Datathon: Friday, September 25, 12-3 p.m.
Barnet Room, Montgomery Student Center at Converse; work continues virtually
In partnership with our sponsor Live Healthy Spartanburg, students will dive into data related to chronic health conditions in the community. The two focus questions will be: (1) Is there a correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the impact on chronic health conditions in Spartanburg County? and (2) Are there ways to delay onset or provide prevention measures? After the kickoff event, students will continue to work asynchronously throughout the following week. Converse students of all majors, as individuals or in teams, are invited to join in the Datathon.
Networking: Tuesday, September 29, 4:30-6 p.m.
Barnet Room, Montgomery Student Center at Converse
Local professionals and alumni from a range of fields related to business, accounting, mathematics, and data science will connect with our current students. Students will have the opportunity to practice networking skills, learn more about internship and career opportunities, and make valuable connections in industry.
Keynote: Wednesday, September 30, 5:30-7 p.m.
Barnet Room, Montgomery Student Center at Converse
We will host our keynote speaker, Dr. Grace Bagwell Adams ’07, Associate Professor of Housing Management and Policy in the Department of Financial Planning, Housing Policy, and Consumer Economics at the University of Georgia. Adams partners with nonprofit organizations and state agencies to design and carry out causal impact evaluations — building the counterfactuals, comparison groups, and analytic strategies that let a program say not just what happened but what would have happened otherwise. Her substantive expertise spans SNAP and food insecurity; young people with foster care experience and populations experiencing homelessness; early literacy; and behavioral health — domains where the people most affected are often the hardest to see in administrative data.
This year’s event is presented by Converse’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science(opens in new tab), in collaboration with Dr. Allison Vick, Assistant Professor of Politics, and with support from the Division of Student Development and Success and Career Development. Events will include a range of activities designed to engage, educate, and empower Converse students, faculty, and staff.
About Converse University
Converse University is a dynamic institution driven by innovation and a deep commitment to community. Founded in 1889 by visionary citizens of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Converse was established to expand educational access and opportunity—originally for women, and since 2020, for all undergraduate students. Today, Converse encompasses the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Data Science, the School of the Arts, The Graduate School, and Converse College for Women. Across all disciplines, students are empowered to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. Through a blend of deep scholarship, transformative mentorship, experiential learning, and a culture of mutual support, Converse cultivates not only knowledge and creativity, but also the professional and technical skills essential for success in a rapidly evolving world. Rooted in its community and always looking ahead, Converse is committed to shaping graduates who lead change and uplift others.
