Image: Annie Carlson Welch, McBee student and assistant to the vice president for student affairs at the University of Georgia, was part of a team that designed and implemented a student affairs engagement data management project to improve data intake and provide an intuitive dashboard for assessing outcomes. NASPA recently recognized the successful project with an Excellence Award (bronze) in the category of "Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics, and related." The multi-year effort has paid off through improvements in the efficacy of student engagement data that can now be used to empower the division's data-driven decision-making. Carlson Welch is pleased with how the new tool allows her colleagues to align programs with skill development, and inform the division’s operations, services, and support for students to aid in their success. NASPA Excellence Awards recognize the contributions of members who are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services, and effective administration. “When we combine engagement data with institutional and academic data, a more robust and holistic view of the student experience at UGA is created," said Carlson Welch. She continued, "This means we can better focus efforts in student well-being, essential skill development, belonging, and engagement." Carlson Welch worked closely with partners Amber Atkinson (business intelligence analyst in the UGA Office of Institutional Research and current MBA student in the Terry College of Business) and Sarah Strickland (assistant director for learning & improvement in Student Affairs) to develop the tool. 2023-2024 NASPA Excellence Award Winners Type of News/Audience: General News
