Key Takeaways from our Oct. 23rd Coffee Break Webinar - Empowering Strategic Leaders: Leveraging Data for Institutional Transformation
At our recent Coffee Break Webinar, Matt Cooper and Senior Advisor Robert Berdahl explored how universities can align strategic priorities with faculty success — a challenge that sits at the heart of institutional planning.
From resource allocation to board engagement, the conversation highlighted how data-informed decisions can help universities navigate uncertainty, support faculty, and build collaborations that drive long-term impact.
Missed the session? Here’s what you need to know:
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Strategic Alignment Starts with Clarity Institutions must define what “quality” means internally — especially when comparing research and scholarship across peer groups. Clear benchmarks help leaders set aspirational goals and communicate progress effectively.
🔹 Faculty Success is Institutional Success Supporting faculty — especially early-career scholars — means reducing administrative burden, streamlining review processes, and aligning hiring with strategic goals. Examples from University of Kansas and University of South Florida showed how targeted hiring and recognition can transform departments.
🔹 Boards Need More Than Enrollment Data Boards play a critical role in funding and prioritization. Sharing research impact data — like Washington State’s example — helps boards understand the full scope of institutional contributions.
🔹 Collaboration is a Strategic Asset Whether it’s industry partnerships or inter-university collaborations, mapping existing connections and identifying new opportunities can amplify institutional reach. South Florida’s approach to AI and external engagement offers a compelling model.
🔹 Data-Driven Planning Builds Confidence Poll results showed that 77% of attendees feel confident they can demonstrate measurable progress in the next 12 months — but many still lack reliable processes for tracking alignment between strategy and resources.
The bottom line? Strategic planning isn’t just about setting goals — it’s about ensuring those goals deliver for faculty, resonate with boards, and reflect the university’s public mission. With the right data and partnerships, institutions can move faster, communicate more clearly, and build lasting impact.
Want to watch the full webinar? Email marketing@academicanalytics.com to request a playback link.
