Executive case study
Data-Driven Academic Program Stabilization
A long-standing academic program faced declining enrollment, structural barriers, and possible elimination while decision-makers relied on incomplete context.
Strategic objective
Replace a binary keep-or-cut decision with an evidence-based stability strategy.
The analysis identified root causes, documented outcomes, and proposed a practical one- to two-year pilot.
Actions
- Compiled multi-year enrollment, attrition, AP participation, awards, leadership, and outcome data.
- Identified scheduling changes, transfers, combined sections, and reduced entry points as structural barriers.
- Documented program reach, recognition, student outcomes, and pathway constraints.
- Proposed a one- to two-year stability pilot using combined-level efficiency, restored entry pathways, and guaranteed sequence completion.
- Translated complex findings into executive communications and decision points.
Outcomes
Reframed the issue
The discussion expanded from enrollment totals to access, design, efficiency, and outcomes.
Practical alternative
The pilot offered a credible implementation path rather than a purely rhetorical defense.
Root-cause clarity
The evidence demonstrated that system design influenced the apparent demand problem.
Capabilities demonstrated
Data-informed strategy · Advocacy · Program evaluation · Risk analysis · Executive communication · Change planning