(US and Canada) Montana State University just announced that it has hired Jason Browning as its first Chief Data Officer. Previously Senior Director of Partner Technology with the higher education consulting firm EAB, Browning is a business intelligence and analytics expert with experience helping universities sort through data to make strategic decisions. He will begin his role at MSU on April 15. 

“Dr. Browning’s experience in examining and effectively presenting data will help Montana State make better-informed decisions that ultimately further our goals and help our students succeed,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “He is a strong addition to our executive team at MSU.”

 “Universities are becoming more focused on effective data ecosystems, and the work of the Chief Data Officer impacts all members of the campus community,” Browning said.  “Data is an important asset that can be used to help inform institutional objectives and initiatives. I am excited to join Montana State University in this new role that will foster a culture of data-informed decision-making and leverage analytics and business intelligence to promote the sustained success of the institution.” 

The new position of Chief Data Officer oversees the university’s data and data strategies, with a focus on governance, innovation, analytics, and operations. The position leads the MSU Office of Planning and Analysis, which will become the Office of University Data and Analytics. 

Browning holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Wyoming, an MBA from Xavier University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Bellarmine University. He has previously taught courses in economics and data analysis and has experience in the world of banking and finance. 

Prior to his work at EAB, he was executive director of institutional effectiveness at Utah Tech University and assistant vice president for institutional research at the Northern Wyoming Community College District.