From Data to Decisions News Archive

Navigating the labyrinth when it comes to data storage and management solutions is not for the faint of heart. As institutions of higher education expand their data capabilities to gain insights and make informed decisions, understanding the distinct types of data storage and analytics platforms becomes essential. Today we explore four of these platforms—operational databases,

In the world of higher education, data is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet—it is a powerful tool for informed decision-making. Administrators, faculty, and stakeholders can benefit immensely from understanding how their institution compares to peer institutions. That is where benchmarking comes into play as it helps to evaluate where an institution stands in

Today, data is more than just a collection of numbers and figures as it’s an invaluable asset that shapes the course of universities. Within higher education, data’s role cannot be understated. I said it previously, but I want to say it again as it is fundamentally important to understand that data is only useful when

Why I Put My Stamp on My Work If you have come across a report generated by our office since I started in July, you might notice something rather distinctive—my name and seal on it. No, it is not an act of arrogance or a claim to fame, but an assertion of accountability, authenticity, integrity,

In the realm of higher education, we often come across terms like ‘Headcount,’ ‘FTE,’ and ‘FTTE’ when discussing student populations. While they might seem interchangeable to the uninitiated, understanding the nuances between these metrics is vital for accurate data interpretation and institutional planning. To add another layer of complexity, universities and reporting agencies might also

I am both honored and thrilled to have recently transitioned into the role of the Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning AND Chief Data Officer at Marshall University, especially at this transformative moment for higher education.  I have been fortunate to serve my institution in many capacities during the last 26 years, but none