CREATING A CULTURE OF DATA USE - A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

Oct 15, 2026

This case study examines how the University of North Texas builds a robust data system and promotes a culture of data use to deliver equitable postsecondary value. Drawing on interviews with UNT leadership, faculty, staff, and students, alongside desk research of institutional documents and public reports, the study highlights targeted support for first-generation and low-income students. Evidence shows improved graduation and completion outcomes, along with strong median earnings for graduates ten years after entry.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

About this case study

Institutional profile and UNT snapshot

Student experiences and outcomes

CREATING A CULTURE OF DATA USE: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS AUTHORS: GENEVIEVE GARCIA KENDRICK, ELEANOR ECKERSON PETERS, AND GABRIELLE FINNIE MARCH 2024 In 2023, the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) analyzed data from the Postsecondary Value Commission’s Equitable Value Explorer to identify institutions that deliver equitable value. The University of North Texas (UNT), a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) located in Denton, Texas, is one such school that invests in its diverse student body, provides resources tailored to the needs of first-generation students and students from low-income backgrounds, and has developed the infrastructure necessary to make datainformed decisions that foster strong student outcomes.1 These efforts have paid off for UNT students, 27 percent of whom are Hispanic and 22 percent of whom receive Pell Grants (Figure 2) . Between 2016 and 2021, graduation rates at UNT increased from 52 percent to 59 percent, with rates for Hispanic students increasing from 50 percent to 57 percent.3,4 Students aren’t just graduating from UNT, but they’re graduating well-equipped for success in the workforce. Ten years after entering UNT, a typical UNT student earns $58,372, exceeding by nearly $17,000 what they would need to earn to break even on their college investment. In fact, students earn roughly the same asthe typical bachelor’s degree holder in Texas and enough to reach the fourth income quintile in the state. In other words, UNT is delivering value to its students, setting them up for success in college and beyond. Editor's note: An updated version of this case study was published April 1, 2024. The update clarifies earnings for atypical UNT student ten years after entering the institution. FIGURE 1. UNT INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE2 OVERVIEW ~~ ~~ PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTION TYPE 81 % ADMISSION RATE 37,397 ENROLLMENT 59 % COMPLETION RATE HSI DESIGNATION HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION 4.42 YEARS ESTIMATED TIME TO CREDENTIAL $58,372 MEDIAN EARNINGS 1 CASE STUDY: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS Students and faculty alike recognize the important role UNT plays in providing value to its students, their families, and the community. Economic opportunities, low cost, and proximity to home draw students like Eghosa Egbenoma, a senior in the kinesiology program, to UNT. As Egbenoma says,“UNT is one of the most affordable universities in the state of Texas. [And] I come from a single parent household, so I needed [to be] close to home in case my mom or my siblings needed anything.” After graduation, Egbenoma is confident his degree in kinesiology will open multiple career pathways that will offer economic stability and a return on his investment. As Professor of Psychology Calvin Sims told us,“When you graduate with a UNT degree, you have the potential to go extremely far in your career.” ABOUT THIS CASE STUDY This case study draws on insights gleaned from conversations during the summer and fall of 2023 with administrators, staff, faculty, and students at UNT. Interviewees included University President Neal Smatresk and Associate Vice President for Data, Analytics, and Institutional Research (DAIR) Jason Simon, who are key members of the Insights leadership team. We also spoke with Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Michael McPherson; Dean of the College of Science John Quintanilla; Vice President of Strategy and Planning and Chief of Staff Debbie Rohwer; Associate Professor of Psychology Calvin Sims; Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid Beth Tolan; Senior Vice President of Student Affairs Elizabeth With; and students Eghosa Egbenoma and Nicholas Durham, both seniors at the time. IHEP also conducted desk research, which included reviewing internal documents shared by UNT—including the Insights Project Charter, the SAS post-project white paper, and data training materials—as well as publicly available materials like strategic

FAQs

What is the main purpose of this case study on the University of North Texas?

It explains how UNT develops a data system and a culture of data use to deliver equitable postsecondary value for students and communities.

What sources did the study use to evaluate UNT’s approach?

The study uses conversations with UNT administrators, staff, faculty, and students, plus desk research of internal documents and publicly available materials such as strategic plans and annual data reports.

What outcomes does the case study report for UNT students?

It reports improvements in graduation and completion rates and highlights that graduates earn a median amount after ten years that supports a strong return on investment.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sophia Brooks