Dear colleagues, 

Over the past several months, the university has worked diligently to address critical and immediate data needs, particularly those related to enrollment management, program sustainability (e.g., enrollment and retention trends by program), assessment and accreditation reporting, college annual reports, and the Data Quality Initiative. We are grateful to the many individuals and offices contributing to these efforts, including those at NMSU Global and our community colleges. Special recognition is due to Calixto Melero, Lori Montoya, Melody Munson-McGee, and Sashidhar Chintalapati, whose contributions have supported our systemwide data needs.

While addressing these immediate priorities, Moran Technology Consulting conducted a comprehensive review of NMSU’s institutional data environment and provided key recommendations to guide the development of a formal data governance framework. Their findings will shape our future approach to data governance, organizational structure, institutional culture, and data architecture.

In alignment with these recommendations – and consistent with Administrative Rules and Procedures (ARP) 15.40 – we are establishing a layered data governance structure that combines executive oversight with empowered working groups and stewards. This structure will promote the consistent use, management, and interpretation of data across the institution.

To implement this model, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Department of Information Technology will soon convene a Data Governance Committee. This committee will be charged with developing and revising data governance policies and procedures, publishing data standards and standards of operation, and providing general oversight of institutional data use.

The governance model includes the following key groups:

• Data Trustees – senior administrators on campus with significant responsibility for a major operational area, utilizing systems and applications and serving as authoritative sources of data.
• Data Stewards – supervisors, designated by the relevant data trustees to oversee access and management of a particular subset of institutional data.
• Data Custodians – operational responsibility for the management of any of the systems that serve as sources of institutional data.
• Data Users – members of the NMSU community whose job duties require access to secure, accurate, and consistent institutional data.

As we begin forming these groups and implementing this framework, please know that our objective is to position data as a strategic asset in support of NMSU’s mission. This effort will ensure we have the infrastructure, culture, and practices needed to support decision-making, planning, and institutional effectiveness across all areas of the university.

Thank you for your continued support as we take this important step toward advancing data-informed decision-making at NMSU. We are NMSU.

Sincerly,
Lakshmi N. Reddi
Interim Provost
New Mexico State University