Richard Gruss

Hello! My name is Rich Gruss. I teach courses in information systems, operations management, and business analytics at Radford University’s Davis College of Business and Economics. My goal is to help students not only understand the technologies shaping the future of business but also to think critically about how these technologies influence organizations, work, and identity. Whether we're discussing artificial intelligence, process design, or data analytics, I try to connect concepts to real-world business challenges and equip students with tools to thrive in a data-driven world. I spent 14 years as a software developer, and I try to bring some of that experience into the classroom. 

My research explores how emerging technologies—especially large language models and AI—transform organizational behavior, learning, and decision-making. I’m particularly interested in how these technologies affect how people work, collaborate, and make sense of their environments. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and recognized through awards like the Dalton Eminent Scholar award and the INFORMs Design Science Award. 

I love teaching at Radford because it’s a place that values student learning. DCOBE has a supportive and energizing atmosphere where students want to learn and faculty are encouraged to be creative. The best part of my job is watching students grow in confidence and ability as they tackle complex problems and realize they have something valuable to contribute.  
Outside of work, I enjoy playing blues piano, riding my bike, writing novels, and losing to my son at chess. My favorite words of wisdom come from Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."