Associate Vice President, Marketing

Mary Ann Romans

Gray Insights

Beyond Budget Cuts: A Strategic Approach to Financial Sustainability in Higher Education

Financial sustainability in higher education requires more than cost-cutting—it demands a strategic, data-informed approach. Reactive budget reductions can undermine long-term stability, while smarter resource allocation, program optimization, and revenue generation drive resilience. By understanding program economics and leveraging benchmarking data, institutions can strengthen both financial health and student success.

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Gray Insights

Top New College Programs Announced in January 2025

Colleges and universities are rolling out a wave of new programs in 2025, aligning with workforce demands and shifting student interests. From expanding healthcare and mental health offerings to bolstering business, engineering, and technical education, institutions are evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners. Explore the latest academic innovations shaping the future of higher education.

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Gray Data

Higher Education’s Hottest New Program Announcements: What Trended in 2024

Explore the innovative programs colleges and universities are offering in 2024 to meet shifting student interests and workforce demands. From advancements in healthcare and technology to addressing critical societal needs, institutions are expanding their offerings in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Public Health, and Environmental Science. Discover the most notable new programs that are equipping learners with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world—and see what’s next on the horizon for higher education.

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Gray Insights

Unlocking Collaboration: Why Data Literacy is Key to Strategic Program Planning in Higher Education

In a world full of data, higher education institutions must turn information into meaningful decisions. Data literacy among leaders is key to moving beyond subjective opinions and creating evidence-based strategies for academic program planning. Equipping stakeholders to analyze, interpret, and communicate data, fostering transparency, and cultivating a data-informed culture enable smarter decisions, enhanced collaboration, and sustainable growth. Discover how data literacy transforms program evaluation into a strategic advantage that meets student needs and adapts to changing demands.

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Gray Insights

The Data Whisperers: Translating Complex Data into Actionable Insights

Institutional Researchers (IR) have the unique ability to transform complex datasets into actionable insights that drive decisions across institutions. However, the key to their success lies in effective communication and data visualization, ensuring that stakeholders can easily grasp and engage with the information. Discover how clear, compelling storytelling and well-crafted visualizations can bridge the gap between raw data and informed action. From practical tips on data storytelling to the power of visualization, these insights will help you unlock the full potential of your institution’s data.

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Gray Insights

Benchmarking Program Economics: Improve Efficiencies in a Challenging Higher Education Environment

Amid rising costs and declining enrollments, institutions find that benchmarking program economics is a fiscal lifeline.This strategy uncovers cost-saving opportunities, optimizes resource allocation, and reveals hidden cost drivers. By comparing your program and course economics to peer institutions, you can identify efficiency opportunities and ensure strategic resource use for growth and sustainability. Discover how a data-informed approach, accessible to all key stakeholders, transforms resource management and empowers institutions to thrive.

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Gray Insights

Closing the Gap: Why Aligning College Skills with Workforce Needs Matters More Than Ever

A recent report highlights a pressing issue in higher education: while nearly all adults without a degree see its value, there is a significant skills gap between what colleges teach and what employers need. Aligning college programs with in-demand skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership is essential. Addressing this gap ensures that graduates are prepared for the job market, benefiting students, employers, and educational institutions alike. Discover why this alignment is crucial for future success.

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Gray Insights

The Clock is Ticking: Waiting for Program Evaluation is a Risk You Can’t Afford

Timely adoption of a Program Evaluation System (PES) is crucial for sustaining successful academic programs. Early implementation offers valuable insights into program economics, market demand, and resource optimization, while delaying can lead to financial strain, missed opportunities, and decreased competitiveness. Whether building a custom system or opting for specialized software, investing in PES is a proactive step toward ensuring your institution’s programs remain relevant and financially viable, driving higher enrollment and improved student outcomes.

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Gray Insights

Want Enrollment Growth? Here’s Your Strategic Program Playbook

Discover how to achieve enrollment growth and financial stability in today’s competitive higher education environment with our strategic program playbook. Learn how to utilize data-informed decisions, optimize programs, and foster collaboration for success. From revealing hidden potentials to confidently navigating tough decisions, equip your institution with the tools for a thriving future.

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