We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Office of Institutional Research and Planning team at Marshall University: Sam Aretz. Sam has recently stepped into the role of Business Intelligence and Data Analyst. Sam brings a wealth of knowledge in statistics and a mastery of PowerBI, equipped to hit the ground running, working across the university to bolster our strategic decision-making and institutional research efforts.
A Leap Forward in Data-Driven Decision Making
Sam’s arrival marks a significant enhancement in our office’s capabilities. Her expertise in data analysis and proficiency with business intelligence tools like PowerBI set the stage for an additional transformative impact on the way we handle institutional data at Marshall University. Her role is not just about interpreting numbers and trends; it’s about turning complex data into comprehensible, actionable insights that can drive the university forward. By transforming raw data into meaningful narratives, Sam will work across various entities on campus to provide a compass that helps guide the university’s strategic initiatives. This type of insight will help illuminate the path to operational efficiency. Each dashboard and report she creates will help foster a culture where decisions are made not on hunches but on hard evidence.
The Role and Its Impact
As we continue to navigate the new complexities of higher education, the need for data-informed strategies has never been more critical. Sam’s role is pivotal, offering a multifaceted approach to institutional research:
- Data Analysis and Modeling: Sam will be instrumental in analyzing data sets to uncover trends, patterns, and critical insights. Through predictive modeling and statistical analysis, we aim to enhance our strategic planning and forecasting, ensuring our university remains ahead of the curve.
- Reporting and Visualization: Leveraging PowerBI and other advanced tools, Sam will develop dynamic dashboards and reports. These efforts will provide clear, concise data-driven insights to various stakeholders, empowering academic departments and university leadership with the information needed for informed decision-making.
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Sam’s work will extend across departments, engaging with different facets of the university to tailor data solutions that meet specific needs. This collaborative approach is essential for aligning our data analysis efforts with the university’s strategic goals.
- Data Management and Integrity: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our data is paramount. Sam will collaborate closely with other departments to enhance our data collection methods, ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and quality control.
- Continuous Learning and Improvement: The landscape of data science and higher education research is ever-evolving. Sam’s commitment to staying at the forefront of these changes will help drive our office’s continuous improvement, adopting new methodologies and technologies to enhance our analytical capabilities.
Looking Ahead
Sam Aretz’s addition to our team is more than a new hire; it’s a strategic move towards a more data-informed future for Marshall University. Through her expertise, we anticipate not only strengthening our internal processes but also enhancing the university’s overall strategic planning and policy formulation.
To a bright future using intelligence and analytics, with data!
Brian M. Morgan
Chief Data Officer, Marshall University