Navigating the Data Maturity Journey in Higher Education: Perspectives from the Field
As higher education institutions increasingly rely on data to drive decision-making, research, and student success, the need for robust data management and governance practices has never been greater. Using the DAMA Data Management Wheel as a conversation guide, this panel brings together professionals at different career stages and from institutions of different sizes and types to share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for improving data maturity in higher education. Through our conversation, panelists will reflect on key topics such as data architecture, data classification, data quality, and governance policies. They will discuss how institutions can progress along the data maturity curve, highlighting real-world successes, setbacks, and opportunities for innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into practical steps they can take to strengthen data management in their own institutions, fostering a culture of data stewardship, accountability, and strategic decision-making.
Presenters
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Todd Barber
Executive Director, Enterprise Applications & Data Services,
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
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Wesley Barber
Business Analyst,
University of Tennessee System Office
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Andre Jenkins
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO),
University of Pennsylvania
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Shannon Shank
Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Applications,
California Institute of the Arts
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Kelli Van Wasshenova
Associate Director of Data Governance,
Denison University
Resources & Downloads
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Navigating the Data Maturity Journey in Higher Education Perspectives from the Field slides
Updated on 10/22/2025