• Ph.D. in Higher Education | University of Toledo
  Dissertation: Time allocation of undergraduate students and its relationship to academic and engagement outcomes

• M.S. in Sociology | Utah State University
  Thesis: Comparative analysis of standardized test scores in military-connected versus civilian school systems

• B.A. in Sociology | Hofstra University

  
  

National Leadership in First-Generation Student Success

As Assistant Vice President of Data Analytics at FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success at NASPA), Mary built a comprehensive data and research program from the ground up. Her work included:

• Leading a network of 400+ institutions, including over 40 community and technical colleges, in data-driven approaches to student success

• Creating and disseminating 9 national fact sheets on first-generation student trends that inform policy and practice nationwide

• Directing a major landscape study on first-generation student success, resulting in 6 research briefs for the field

• Successfully implementing the Postsecondary Data Partnership at 80+ colleges and universities, unlocking new insights for institutional decision-making

Institutional Research Excellence

During her five years at Xavier University, Mary mastered the full spectrum of institutional research, from survey design and data collection to executive reporting and accreditation support. She developed expertise in:

• Survey methodology and administration for institutional effectiveness and strategic planning

• Dashboard creation and data visualization using Tableau for university decision-makers

• Accreditation support for multiple governing bodies and programmatic reviews

• Training and capacity building for campus personnel on data literacy and best practices

Thought Leadership and Dissemination

Mary's research reaches practitioners, policymakers, and institutional leaders through:

• 10+ published research briefs and fact sheets on first-generation student success and national trends

• 15+ conference presentations at major higher education conferences and symposiums (NASPA, AIR, and more!)

• Comprehensive data curriculum development delivered to hundreds of institutions through workshops, modules, and resources

• Regular consultation with funders and stakeholders on research priorities and findings

Mary believes that data without action is just interesting information. Her approach focuses on:

• Making complex analyses accessible to diverse audiences through clear visualization and storytelling

• Connecting research directly to practice with actionable recommendations and implementation support

• Building institutional capacity for data-informed decision making through training and collaboration

• Centering equity in all research design and analysis to identify and address barriers to student success