Michael Best, assistant professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs within the Ivan Allen College and in the College of Computing, was recognized as the winner of the 2009 Ivan Allen Jr. Legacy Award for Faculty. The award is given annual by the Ivan Allen College in memory of namesake Ivan Allen Jr. and in recognition of first-rate teaching, scholarship and exceptional courage, compassion, and committment to serving students, the College, the Institute, and the community.

Michael Best (PhD MIT) focuses his research on Information and Communications Technology in developing countries and has made important scholarly contributions in that arena. For the past four years, he has been working with Liberia's Information and Communications Technology sector. His work has supported that country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and contributed to national stability and a culture of human rights after 14 years of civil war.

Best has organized Georgia Tech graduate students to work with local experts in Liberia to develop and implement a strategy for the nation's use of Information and Communications Technology.
Programs associated with these efforts include a computer center at Monrovia's Center for Empowerment of Women and Children and a computer and training facility at Liberia's largest health center, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital.

Best works closely with colleagues in the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture and has been a leader in the "Computing for Good" initiative in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech.