Matthew Campbell recognized by the Southern Association for Institutional Research for excellence in institutional research

At its annual meeting held earlier this month, the Southern Association for Institutional Research, or SAIR, recognized Matthew Campbell, director of Auburn’s Office of Institutional Research, or OIR, for his outstanding contributions to the field of institutional research, or IR, with the presentation of the James R. Montgomery Outstanding Service Award.

Presented to a professional who has made significant contributions to the field of institutional research, the award honors Campbell for his work to improve the understanding, planning, and operation of post-secondary education institutions. In addition, the award recognizes a member for their impact and contributions to the organization over five years.

An IR professional for more than 20 years and director of OIR since 2020, Campbell has maintained a strategic role in SAIR, assisting the organization with developing collaborative approaches to reporting institutional data and creating research services designed to support university-level initiatives. Serving the SAIR Board in multiple roles, Campbell has provided consistent leadership as a member-at-large, program chair, vice president, president, and most recently served two terms as past president. Recognized for his leadership during the pandemic, Campbell assisted the organization in supporting the institutional research community and its professionals through unprecedented challenges.

“As director of Institutional Research, Matt continues to be a respected leader who advances our institution’s data culture by integrating innovation, transparency and best practices into Auburn’s processes,” said Vini Nathan, interim provost. “His ability to translate Auburn’s institutional data into timely and meaningful information ensures we achieve our mission while informing our policy decisions.”

An advocate for advancing analytical practices and policies to better support strategic decision-making and planning, Campbell has enabled the university to improve its reporting processes to governmental agencies such as the US Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. As the university’s primary data steward, Campbell continues to provide responsiveness and commitment to Auburn’s institutional improvement.

Through his work with campus stakeholders, Campbell has played a primary role in improving data quality for the university’s internal framework. His experience includes serving as the lead resource for the student, course, and faculty data sources currently used across the institution to support information programs such as Qlik, OneAuburn, and the university’s new CRM, Salesforce.

One of the industry’s oldest and largest organizations for professionals in institutional research, SAIR provides a forum for disseminating information and exchanging ideas on problems of common interest in institutional research. In addition, SAIR promotes the continued professional development of individuals engaging in institutional research and fosters unity and cooperation among persons having interests and related activities.