UCM Taps Meng Chen to Lead Office of Analytics and Institutional Research

By Jeff Murphy, February 14, 2019

Assuming a position that is instrumental in the collection of data used in strategic decision making at the University of Central Missouri, Meng Chen, Ph.D., has been named director of university analytics and institutional research.

Chen's appointment was announced by Bill Hawley, interim chief financial officer at UCM. The new director assumes duties at UCM on Feb. 18.

"The university environment is very dependent on institutional research and analysis that can be useful in decision making at many different levels," Hawley said. "We're extremely pleased to have someone with Dr. Chen's experience to provide leadership in this critical area. We look forward to having him on our campus."

With more than 10 years of experience in higher education research and analysis, Chen most recently served as assistant director for institutional research and information management at Eastern Michigan University, Upsilanti, Mich. He also has served as data systems analyst for institutional research at the University of Toledo in Ohio.

In his new role at UCM, Chen will oversee an office that is responsible for gathering and analyzing institutional data, providing information and updates to maintain state and federal compliance, and assisting with data requests that advance the university's overall mission and goals. The office is the central source of official institutional information such as census data to report to the U.S. Department of Education and other agencies that request statistical information about UCM.

Chen earned a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and master's degree in applied math from Wayne State University in Detroit Mich. He is a regular presenter and reviewer at state and national conferences on topics related to institutional research and analytics.