Institutional Data Architecture: People, Structures, and Strategy

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Shaw/LeDroit Park

Institution Type: 4-year institutions

Target Audience: Any

Presenter(s)

Jason L. Wang, Ph.D. (he/him/his)

Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Ivana Fredotovic, PhD

Chief Data Officer
Weber State University
Ogden, Utah, United States
Melissa L. Baker

Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Research and Analysis
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Paige Borden, PhD

Chief Analytics Officer
University of Central Florida, United States

Session Abstract: We all recognize that data is an integral component of decision-making, and too often “data” is highly prized but underprioritized. This proposal suggests broadening the term from “data architecture” to “institutional data architecture” to capture the operational design of how campuses structure their data domains, systems, governance bodies, and processes while simultaneously defining how people, workflows, and technology interact to manage data as an institutional asset.

Through a professional development and leadership lens, this session aims to encourage data leaders to think more broadly about their institutional data context, fostering dialogue around best practices, challenges, and future directions. Whether you are in IR, IT, assessment, or student success analytics, this conversation will help you reflect on your own data environment and consider new possibilities for collaboration and innovation.

Keywords: institutional data architecture, data strategy, CDO, data leader