Published Jan. 31, 2024

Dear MSU Community,

I am pleased today to announce that we have hired Jason Browning as the first chief data officer of Montana State University. Dr. Browning will begin in his new role with MSU on April 15.

The position of MSU's chief data officer has been established to provide oversight and management of the university's data warehouse and data strategy. This new position will provide leadership to the MSU Office of Planning and Analysis in its transition to becoming University Data and Analytics. Dr. Browning will lead the unit.

Dr. Browning will direct how MSU collects, analyzes and presents data to aid in decision-making and will develop ways to use MSU data to support student success, campus initiatives, strategic planning and many other areas.

Dr. Browning is a business intelligence and analytics expert with extensive experience helping colleges and universities use data to make strategic decisions. His background in higher education, analytics and finance will be a strong addition to MSU's executive team.

Dr. Browning was previously the senior director of partner technology at the higher education consulting firm EAB. Prior to that, 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. He 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.

I would like to thank Vice President for Information Technology and CIO Ryan Knutson for chairing the search process for this position and to express my gratitude to the search committee members: Carina Beck, vice provost and director of the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success; Ian Godwin, associate director of the Office of Planning and Analysis; Michael Ouert, director of the Office of Admissions; Colter Ellis, chair of Faculty Senate and associate professor of sociology and anthropology; Megan Lasso, chief budget officer; and Jeannette Grey Gilbert, chief human resources officer.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Browning to Montana State University.

Sincerely,

Waded Cruzado
President, Montana State University