New Department Created to Support University's Data Capabilities

A merger between the Office of Strategic Analytics and Insights (OSAI) and the Office of Data Transformation in the Division of Finance and Administration (VCFA) integrates cross-functional data experts as part of the new Department of Strategic Data and Process Innovation, formed with the purpose of enhancing the accessibility, transparency and understanding of key data used by the campus community to better inform decision-making. 

Jannette Akridge, associate vice chancellor for strategic data and process innovation, leads the new team. She now dually reports to Indrajeet Chaubey, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, as well as Ann Bordelon, executive vice chancellor for finance and administration.  

The department is designed to create a centralized approach to data, building the infrastructure needed to introduce enterprise business solutions and maintain a data-driven institution. The business process management branch of the team will continue to focus on data integrity by ensuring processes are optimized so that system data is accurate, consistent and reliable. The department will develop unified dashboards that offer a single source of data for both colleges and administrators.  

Akridge's team will also explore innovations using emerging technologies in artificial intelligence as well as advanced analytical techniques to forecast trends and reveal insights that can improve strategic planning. 

"I'm excited to align efforts among our academic units, human resources, financial functions and other administrative teams to strengthen our collaboration, efficiency and processes throughout the university," Akridge said. "We look forward to leading transformational initiatives that will enhance student success, financial stewardship and our overall operations." 

The Office of Strategic Analytics and Insights will continue providing analytics support through the Provost's Office, as well as institutional reporting and analysis.  

The Department of Strategic Data and Process Innovation includes: 

OSAI  

• Brandon Bayles
  • ​Institutional Reporting and Analysis​
    • Doug Miles
    • Brad Lutes
    • Nick Shapter
    • Myra Haulmark
  • Advanced Analytics
    • Brandon St. Clair
    • Steve Genest
    • Liam Canty 

VCFA Shared Services Analytics 

• Crystal Johnson
  • Austin Bounsavy
  • Anthony Beger
  • Merrin Lien (student)
  • Alberto Del Rio Jara (GA)
  • Victor Manuel Cabaleiro Valado (GA) 

Finance Business Process Management 

• James Morrison
  • ​Business Process Analyst (vacant) 

Human Capital Management Business Process Management 

• J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz
  • ​Jen Gilbert
  • Jorge Paredes (student) 

In addition, Paul Bixby is continuing his role as Workday finance coordinator, and Riley Davis is serving as portfolio manager for the team. Rachel Menke has been hired in a role that will work closely with Bixby to coordinate security requests.