14 Nov Spotlight on Strategy with Ms. Sandra Kinney

At the IEHE, we are always excited to have the opportunity to highlight the incredible work being done by our colleagues. As part of the launch of Data Strategy in Colleges and Universities: From Understanding to Implementation, edited by our own Kristina Powers, we’re bringing you a series of profiles of the higher education professionals who share their knowledge and expertise in the book.

Sandra Kinney serves as Senior Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Georgia Tech. She co-wrote Chapter 4: Data Strategy Versus an Information Technology Planning with Jason Lee Wang. This chapter discusses the drastic differences between a data strategy and an IT plan—and advocates that both are crucial.

Key Chapter Takeaways

Sandra says the importance of alignment and interdependency of data strategy and information technology planning is the concept she hopes most readers will take to heart.

Ms. Sandra Kinney On the Process of Writing

Sandra loves writing when the ideas and words are flowing, but not when it becomes forced and contrived. She encourages other authors to write everything that comes to your mind. Then pare it down and focus on the most important pieces.

An Excerpt from Data Strategy in Colleges and Universities:

Want to read more? Order your copy of Data Strategy in Colleges and Universities: From Understanding to Implementation now! You can also read more about the chapter authors and an extended excerpt from the book.

Does your campus tie your data strategy to its information technology plan? If not, how do you think that closely aligning them could help you professionally? Tell us about it in the comments below.