Office of Advanced Data Analytics
Director and Chief Data Officer
Natalie Cartwright
Natalie has worked in higher education and institutional research for 19 years and has extensive experience with accreditation (regional and programmatic), enrollment management (environmental scanning and enrollment projection), strategic planning (at both the university and diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice levels), data visualization, and data democratization. Natalie earned a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Muhlenberg College in 2003 and an M.Ed. from Kutztown University in Student Affairs in Higher Education in 2006.
Why did you pursue a career in higher education?
My career in higher education began by happenstance. While pursuing my graduate degree at Kutztown University, assuming that my undergraduate statistics background would make me a good fit, I applied for a graduate assistantship in the office of Institutional Research. As it happens, it was more than a good fit. Twenty years later, I am still energized by the work and the transformative power of education to shape individuals and societies positively. Working in this sector allows me to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation and apply data analytics to address challenges and improve outcomes.
What first sparked your interest in data analytics?
My interest in data was initially sparked during my undergraduate studies when I took a course in statistics. I was fascinated by the power of numbers to reveal patterns and insights within complex systems. Years later, as I delved deeper into the field, I became intrigued by the potential of data analytics to drive informed decision-making across various domains, especially education.
Years of work in higher education later, what keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is the continuous evolution of the field and its impact on decision-making processes. Every day presents new opportunities to explore innovative techniques, tackle complex problems, and drive positive change through data-driven insights. Witnessing the tangible outcomes of our analytical efforts, such as improved student outcomes or operational efficiencies, reinforces my passion for this work.
What are your top priorities as chief data officer?
- Developing a comprehensive data strategy aligned with the system's strategic goals.
- Expanding data infrastructure and capabilities to support advanced analytics and predictive modeling.
- Fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making through training and collaboration across departments.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about my family…my husband, two teenage boys, an adorable Havanese named Hank, and nine chickens! Most nights you can find us (minus the chickens) at the dinner table talking and laughing to the point of tears.