From Data to Decisions News Archive

At Marshall University, the Office of Institutional Research and Planning has been diligently working on several projects aimed at enhancing data management, analysis, and reporting capabilities. Our efforts are focused on leveraging new technologies, improving data accuracy, and ensuring that our data governance standards meet the highest benchmarks. Here’s a small update on our recent

Firstly, you will notice I did not post a blog last week.  I have decided to go to bi-weekly postings to dive deeper into topics. In today’s data-hungry culture, one can be overwhelmed by the volume of information and readings available and the same holds for data.  Having the ability to create compelling and insightful

My fascination with data and statistics did not start in academia or within the confines of a professional setting. It began in the most unassuming of places: the world of baseball cards. Each card, each major league box score contained in our local paper, the Herald-Dispatch, was not just a piece of my childhood pastime,

We are excited to share with you the latest enhancement to Marshall University’s commitment to openness and informed decision-making: the refreshed Institutional Data page is now available on our Institutional Research and Planning website. This is not just an update—it is a revolution in how we handle and share data. What’s New? Our upgraded webpage

Late last fall, I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with a writer from BOSS Magazine to discuss the transformative journey of Marshall University (https://mag.thebossmagazine.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=0ab70d43-fba7-45f6-92d6-05cc49af80e9&pnum=42). It was an incredible opportunity to highlight how our institution, steeped in history and tradition, is adapting to the changing tides of higher education by embracing a data-informed culture.

In higher education, the role of institutional research (IR) is indispensable as data and trends change at a lightning pace. As universities, like Marshall University, navigate through complexities such as funding challenges, technological advancements, and evolving educational needs, the contributions of IR teams become increasingly critical. This post delves into some of the ways in

As we step into the new year at Marshall University, it is an opportune moment to set forth a roadmap for the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, focusing on enhancing the campus’ capabilities in data literacy, our office’s project management, and community engagement, along with the exciting addition of a new business intelligence/data analyst

In the dynamic world of higher education, keeping a pulse on student applications and enrollment trends is crucial. In recent weeks, I have begun to shine a spotlight on, and illuminate, patterns to help drive strategic decisions. In a post just a couple of weeks ago I wrote about how I have been delving into

In recent years, universities have faced unprecedented financial challenges, from declining enrollments, shrinking state appropriations, increased cost of goods, etc., all of which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making in university budgeting and resource allocation. In this blog post, we will explore how data informs budgeting

The rapid advancements in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), are catalyzing significant changes in higher education. This evolution is profoundly influencing the role of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) like myself, who are now at the forefront of integrating these technologies into institutional strategies. This post will explore a bit of