Leading with Data: Building Strategic Capacity Through Data Fluency

Session Abstract: Institutions across higher education face growing demands for evidence-based decision-making to advance student success, equity, and resource optimization. At the same time, colleges are investing heavily in analytics platforms, dashboards, and data warehouses often underutilized without the training and support to use them. This session highlights Haverford College’s three-tiered Data Fluency Program, a scalable model that builds capacity from basic data access to advanced strategic leadership. The culminating Strategic Data Leadership Program requires participants to apply advanced skills to institutional priorities through capstones in areas such as retention, advising, and resource alignment. By linking technical training with leadership development, the program shows how data fluency grows from skill-building to a culture of accountability, elevating institutional research as a strategic partner. Attendees will also join an interactive Q&A to apply lessons to their campus.

Keywords: Data Fluency, Data Leadership, Data Visualization, Evidence-Based Decisions, Effectiveness