You Are a Data Person

Amelia Parnell has over 15 years of higher education experience in national, state, and campus-level roles including association management, legislative policy, internal audit, TRIO programs, and graduate-level teaching. She is currently the vice president for research and policy at NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she leads many of the association’s scholarly and advocacy-focused activities. Parnell writes and speaks frequently about topics related to student affairs, college affordability, student learning outcomes, higher education leadership, and institutions’ use of data and analytics. Prior to the release of this book, Parnell coedited The Analytics Revolution in Higher Education: Big Data, Organizational Learning, and Student Success.Parnell understands the importance of making data-informed decisions, and she enjoys explaining how professionals can use data to address complex issues. Her ongoing service to the field of higher education includes contributing to several national advisory boards; mentoring students; and hosting her podcast, Speaking of College. Parnell holds a doctorate in higher education from Florida State University and a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida A&M University.

Foreword —Robert A. Schwartz Preface Acknowledgments 1. An Optimal Time for Data People 2. The Data Identity Framework 3. How to Progress Along the Data Continuum 4. Back to Basics. Understanding the Balance of Needs, Processes, and Outcomes 5. Data in Action:10 Ways to Use Data to Improve Programs and Services 6. Data in Action Part 2. 10 Ways to Use Data to Monitor and Address Students' Progress 7. The Data Identity Self-Assessment Exercise 8. The Future of Data Use on Campus. Intersections of Technology and Human Decision-Making Conclusion Epilogue Appendix A. Supplemental Notes for the Data Identity Self-Assessment Exercise Appendix B. Mapping Data Identity Components and Sample Higher Education Job Advertisements References About the Author