In this episode of Data Stakes, host Debbie sits down with Michelle Taylor, Senior Research Analyst at the National Community College Benchmarking Institute (NCCBI). They discuss the origins and 20-year evolution of the National Community College Benchmarking Project (NCCBP) and why it remains an essential, adaptable resource for two-year institutions of all sizes.

Michelle breaks down how community colleges are leveraging customized benchmarking data to make smarter resource allocation decisions, track return on investment (ROI), and navigate modern higher education challenges like the enrollment cliff. Key Takeaways:

• The Flexibility of the NCCBP: How institutions—even those without dedicated institutional research (IR) staff—can tailor their data submissions to fit their specific needs and capacity.
• Proactive Enrollment Management: Using real-time tracking 140 days out from census to compare enrollment numbers against national averages and peer groups.
• Cost, Productivity, and ROI: How the project integrates external O*NET labor market data to help colleges measure the true cost of instruction at the program (CIP code) level and align curriculum with regional job growth.
• Tracking the Hard-to-Measure: Strategies for benchmarking non-credit education and workforce training programs.
• Upcoming Events: Where to connect with the NCCBI team this year, plus early details on the 2027 Benchmarking Conference tailored specifically for two-year institutions.

Data Stakes is sponsored by the Data Analytics Alliance for Higher Education.

Is data ever truly neutral? In this episode of Data Stakes, Jeremy Goodman—founder of Jeremy Goodman Consulting and former VP at Olin College of Engineering—joins Debbie to challenge the long-held "Switzerland" myth in Institutional Research.

Drawing on his unique background in both theater and higher education, Jeremy explains how applying improv techniques, like active listening and audience empathy, can radically improve how data professionals communicate their findings to campus stakeholders. Beyond just presenting reliable numbers, the conversation explores the importance of bringing your holistic identity to the table. Jeremy and Debbie discuss balancing personal perspective with professional integrity, the real-world human impact of rigid data categorizations, and why meeting an audience at their current "data literacy" level is the true key to driving strategic change.

Finally, they reflect on the often-introverted nature of the IR field and share actionable ways veteran professionals can better welcome newcomers who might be battling imposter syndrome.

Sponsored by the Data Analytics Alliance for Higher Education. Have questions about today's conversation? Reach out to Debbie at dephelps@datatelligent.ai.

Is your Institutional Research (IR) or Institutional Effectiveness (IE) office feeling the strain of endless, urgent data requests? In this special roundtable episode of the Data Stakes podcast, host Debbie Phelps sits down with three higher education data experts to tackle one of the most difficult—yet critical—skills for data professionals to master: saying "no."

Following their packed-house session at the AIR Forum, Katherine Gipalo (Florida State University), Samantha Nix (Florida State University), and Samantha James (Georgia Tech) share their experiences and strategies for managing stakeholder expectations, overcoming the fear of failure, and protecting data teams from burnout.

In this episode, we cover:

• Reframing the "No": How to use project management strategies and clear scoping to negotiate realistic timelines (the "Yes, but..." approach).
• Overcoming the People-Pleasing Trap: Practical advice for shifting out of a resource-scarcity mindset and protecting your own mental health and capacity.
• Empowering Stakeholders: Tactics to turn a flat "no" into a collaborative "yes" by encouraging data literacy and shared responsibility on campus.
• Tactical Boundary Setting: Actionable everyday tips, including strict calendar blocking, transparent shared task lists, and leveraging data request forms to justify and triage your workload.

Whether you're running a one-person shop or leading a growing team, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you regain control of your data portfolio and build a healthier, more sustainable data culture on your campus.

Listen to Episode 15 now!

(Data Stakes is sponsored by the Data Analytics Alliance for Higher Education. To learn more about our upcoming quarterly meeting or today's topic, reach out to dephelps@datatelligent.ai)