Florida State University’s Office of Institutional Research shines at academic research conference 

The Florida State University Office of Institutional Research recently returned from the Southern Association for Institutional Research conference in Atlanta, where they made a remarkable impact, further enhancing the organization’s regional and national reputation.

Institutional Research (IR) provides official university data and information to the Florida Board of Governors, the federal government and rankings publications such as U.S. News and World Report. But more significantly, IR leverages these data and innovative analytics tools to empower the university community with comprehensive data and resources that not only guide decision-making but also are integral to FSU’s student success efforts.

“Data analytics from FSU’s Institutional Research team has been transformative in enhancing student success by providing actionable insights that drive informed decision-making,” said FSU Provost Jim Clark. “Their work empowers us to create targeted strategies that support our students’ academic journeys and overall well-being.”

The FSU IR team secured several prestigious accolades at the Southern Association for Institutional Research (SAIR) conference, including second place in the Best Interactive Report category, first place for Best Website and a clean sweep of the Best Innovative Practice Awards, taking home first, second and third places.

“FSU’s Office of Institutional Research stands out as one of the most innovative and impactful in the nation, driving our strategic initiatives with cutting-edge data analytics. Their work represents FSU’s entrepreneurial mindset applied to how we address problems leveraging data for decision intelligence that not only supports our academic goals but also elevates our university’s overall performance and reputation.”

— Rick Burnette, Senior Vice Provost

“FSU’s Office of Institutional Research stands out as one of the most innovative and impactful in the nation, driving our strategic initiatives with cutting-edge data analytics,” said Senior Vice Provost Rick Burnette. “Their work represents FSU’s entrepreneurial mindset applied to how we address problems leveraging data for decision intelligence that not only supports our academic goals but also elevates our university’s overall performance and reputation.”

Beyond receiving awards, the team’s influence was evident through their leadership in multiple pre-conference workshops and numerous presentations. FSU staff from Institutional Research, the Office of the Provost, and Institutional Performance and Assessment delivered multiple conference sessions. Burnette also served as a member of the conference’s opening session panel.

Members of the IR team also received recognition at the conference.

James Hunt, director of Institutional Research at FSU, served as the vice president and program chair for the event and was promoted to president at the conference.

“It was my incredible privilege to serve as the chair for SAIR’s 50th anniversary conference,” Hunt said. “The FSU IR team has an incredible legacy of leadership within SAIR and the institutional research field, and these recognitions are a testament to the work that IR staff do every day to lead FSU toward becoming a truly data engaged university.”

Program Director for Curricular and Student Success Analytics Samantha Nix was also recognized at the conference, being named to the SAIR board of directors.

Additionally, FSU IR team members played key roles in proposal review tracks, registration and session facilitation. Katherine Gipalo, student success analyst, chaired a conference track committee.

“With their outstanding performance, the FSU Office of Institutional Research solidified its reputation as one of the leading IR offices in the nation and among the very top in the southeast,” Hunt said.

For more information about FSU’s Office of Institutional Research, visit ir.fsu.edu.

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