Meghan Owens
Senior Assistant Director of Business Development
MEGHAN OWENS
Senior Assistant Director of Business Development | owens@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 10
As the Senior Assistant Director of Business Development, Meghan Owens plays a pivotal role in enhancing the firm's relationship management and marketing efforts while aiding in proposal management, executing conference-related initiatives, and deploying social media and e-marketing content.
Prior to joining Art & Science Group, Meghan worked in the event management solutions industry and brings a breadth of knowledge in conference management and strategic communications. Her role involved consulting with clients to optimize their events and receive the most value back to their organizations.
Meghan graduated from Virginia Tech in 2020 with a degree in Marketing Management and a minor in International Business. She is excited to have joined the education industry at Art & Science Group, where she can support clients in the higher education, independent schools, and nonprofit sector to position themselves in their markets strategically.
Beyond the Work
In favorable Baltimore weather, you'll find Meghan discovering the city's dog-friendly gems alongside her golden retriever, Phil, including strolls to Federal Hill Park and Fort McHenry. Beyond outdoor adventures, she transforms into a board game enthusiast, relishing in friendly competition during gatherings with friends and family.
Education
B.S. Marketing Management, Virginia Tech
Arooj Rana
Executive Director of Business Development & Strategic Communications
AROOJ RANA
Executive Director of Business Development & Strategic Communications | rana@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 20
Arooj has nearly two decades of experience working with higher education domestically and internationally as an accomplished administrator and consultant. Her extensive tenure in the higher education sector spans a variety of roles in enrollment management, student affairs, academic advising, and advancement positions. Throughout her career, Arooj has orchestrated a multitude of complex projects through her advanced skills in communication, project management, and operational oversight.
Since joining Art & Science Group in 2019, Arooj has been pivotal in ensuring clients receive unparalleled strategic guidance under the stewardship of the firm’s Principals. In her capacity, she collaborates closely with her team to assess market trends, determine effective communications and marketing strategies, and orchestrate CRM data management initiatives. Her work underlies empowering university, college, and independent school administrators to grasp the inherent value and need of the firm’s endeavors.
Before joining Art & Science Group, Arooj served as a consultant and project manager, spearheading advancement initiatives and supporting capital campaigns for colleges and universities. Her global experience includes working abroad for Hamad bin Khalifa University and Qatar Foundation in Doha, Qatar, where she collaborated with expatriate and Qatari colleagues to bring culturally appropriate Western higher education best practices to Education City. Arooj has also worked at her alma mater in a handful of roles, most notably, supporting the execution of its largest capital campaign to date.
Beyond the Work
Arooj unapologetically embraces her nerdy inclinations, conquering five-thousand-piece puzzles, perusing and haphazardly selecting books at her local bookstore, and participating in asynchronous book clubs with friends and family. Despite her affinity for these indoor pursuits, she does venture outdoors, frequently running races, embarking on hikes, or fueling her passion for exploration through travel. The travel bug has taken her to 23 countries and 28 states, aiming to expand both lists every year. And in case you ever need a translator, Arooj is fluent in Urdu and Hindi.
Education
B.A. Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
M.P.P. Educational Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Gabrielle Timpson
Business Development Coordinator
GABRIELLE TIMPSON
Business Development Coordinator | timpson@artsci.com | 443-921-3676
With a robust background in customer service, project planning & development, and social media marketing, Gabrielle excels in creating exceptional customer experiences while efficiently managing and executing projects. With her attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and commitment to excellence, Gabrielle combines a customer-centric approach with a strategic mindset to deliver high-quality results and foster lasting client relationships.
Gabrielle earned a bachelor’s degree in Multi-Platform Production from Morgan State University, where she developed comprehensive skills in content creation and media management across various platforms. Over the years, she has honed skills in addressing client needs, resolving issues with tact and empathy, and implementing strategic project plans that drive successful outcomes.
Beyond the Work
Gabrielle is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in the Baltimore County/City area, where she contributes to community service initiatives and leadership development programs. Her engagement with the sorority allows her to support impactful projects and foster positive change within the local community.
Education
B.S. Multi-Platform Production, Morgan State University
Craig Goebel
Principal
CRAIG GOEBEL
Principal | goebel@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 21
Craig Goebel develops market-informed strategy to align an institution’s market needs with its mission and values. His engagement with senior leadership teams at colleges, universities, and independent schools has distinguished him as an expert on using rigorous empirical research to inform institution-wide strategy. His work has included consultations and major market research studies focused on institutional strategy to strengthen competitive positioning; pricing and financial aid predictive modeling studies; comparative admissions and financial aid assessments; as well as recruitment marketing and communications strategies.
Craig also leads the firm’s research and associate teams. With the research team, he plays a key role in the ongoing expansion of the scope and quality of Art & Science Group’s research capabilities; with the associates, he guides them in best translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations for institutional leadership. A particular focus of his work has been to advance the value of predictive modeling as an empirical foundation to inform critical pricing, positioning, and financial aid decisions.
Over the past twenty-five years, Craig has consulted for private and public research universities, including Iowa, Michigan, Virginia, Wake Forest and Washington University in St. Louis; liberal arts colleges, such as Colby, Furman, and Richmond; law, graduate and professional schools, from Dartmouth to Notre Dame to Duke; international and specialty schools, including Keck Graduate Institute, Otis College of Art and Design, Yale Divinity School, and University of London; and independent K-12 and boarding schools, such as Hockaday School, Montgomery Bell Academy, Norfolk Academy, Nueva School, and Woodberry Forest School.
Craig's extensive knowledge of institutional strategy and market research has made him a regular presenter at national higher education conferences around the country – such as the annual meeting of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, the College Board Colloquium and Forum events, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Annapolis Group Annual Meeting, The Association of Boarding Schools, and the NAIS Annual Conference – and a frequently cited source in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, NBOA Net Assets, among others. Craig has also conducted seminars on branding and pricing for the American Council on Education’s Fellows Program and served as a guest lecturer in George Washington University’s Higher Education Administration program.
Beyond the Work
Growing up, Craig lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Texas, and back again to Wisconsin, but ultimately, moved to Maryland to be closer to the ocean and mountains. While he loves visiting campuses across the country, his favorite free time activity is going on long road trips with his family to meet interesting people and visit remote locations. An outdoor enthusiast, he can be found hiking, canoeing, and fishing with his wife, two sons, and two dogs.
Education
B.S. Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
David Strauss
Principal
DAVID STRAUSS
Principal | strauss@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 15
David Strauss focuses on providing market-informed strategy to help guide the high-level decisions of mission-driven institutions. He is regarded as a leading authority in the advancement of rigorous empirical research to help determine the strategic directions, institutional positioning, and resource allocations of colleges, universities, schools, and other non-profit organizations. This work has implications that reach across academic affairs, student life, enrollment, development, communications, finance, and other areas of institutional life.
After beginning his consulting career in 1985, David helped develop methodologies to assist institutions in understanding and strengthening their competitive positions, and he led the pioneering development of econometric modeling techniques to optimize the use of financial aid. Starting in the mid-1990s, David led the development of predictive survey research and statistical modeling techniques for analyzing and optimizing tuition pricing levels. And he has led the application of such techniques to identify strategic planning thrusts and brand positioning initiatives to advance an institution’s enrollment, fundraising, and broader institutional goals.
David has consulted for universities ranging from Johns Hopkins to Rice, from Worcester State to Washington State; colleges from Haverford to Grinnell, from Agnes Scott to Whitman; graduate and professional schools from Simmons University to Notre Dame to the University of Wyoming; and independent day and boarding schools from Bryn Mawr to Collegiate to Middlesex. His insights are cited frequently in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and other publications. David is also a frequent guest speaker on topics such as market-informed strategic planning and tuition pricing at conferences, including the annual meetings of the American Council of Education, the Annapolis Group, American Association of Colleges & Universities, Association of Governing Boards, College Board, Council of Independent Colleges, and National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Prior to co-founding Art & Science Group in 1994, David was senior vice president of The Barton-Gillet Company. Previously he served on the staff of Lawton Chiles when Chiles was the senior United States Senator from Florida.
Beyond the Work
Outside of work, David’s life revolves largely around his family. He and his wife consider themselves lucky to have four generations of family who share an array of passions: analyzing and debating trends in politics, playing and listening to music, be it Bach, Beatles, or Blippi, and shouting “O!” (say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave?) at home games cheering on his adopted hometown Baltimore Orioles.
Education
S.B. Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
S.B. Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.B.A. Management and Marketing, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Nanci Tessier
Principal
NANCI TESSIER
Principal | tessier@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 29
As Principal at Art & Science Group, Nanci Tessier provides considerable insight in developing market-informed strategies for a wide variety of institutions. Prior to joining Art & Science Group, Nanci served as a leader in higher education, and particularly in enrollment management and admissions, for over 30 years.
At Art & Science Group, Nanci has consulted for many institutions including Albright College, Augsburg University, Bellarmine University, Boston University, California Maritime Academy, Centre College, Chicago-Kent College of Law, College of Wooster, Kenyon College, Mount Holyoke College, North Carolina State University, Portland State University, Providence College, Rice University, Salve Regina University, Saint Mary’s College (IN), Simmons University, Stetson University, University of Vermont, and Wake Forest University. Her insights have helped guide institutions as they consider important questions around institutional positioning and strategic planning, and aided institutions in efforts to meet their enrollment and net revenue goals as well as support their missions. She has also served as a guest speaker at conferences and webinars for organizations such as the Annapolis Group, College Board, EACUBO, the Enrollment Planning Network Small College Consortium, H.E.R.S. (Higher Education Resource Service), and the Southern Consortium of Enrollment Leaders.
Prior to joining Art & Science Group in 2019, Nanci served as the inaugural chief enrollment officer at three institutions. As vice provost for enrollment management at Boston College, she oversaw the offices of enrollment management, undergraduate admission, and student services—including registrar, bursar and financial aid. Nanci was the vice president for enrollment management at University of Richmond and the vice president for college marketing and enrollment management at Saint Anselm College.
Under Nanci’s leadership, Boston College enrolled its most diverse and academically accomplished class in its history while exceeding net tuition revenue goals. At University of Richmond, Nanci increased applications and the enrollment of BIPOC students, international citizens, first-generation college students, and Pell recipients while also increasing standardized test scores and exceeding net tuition revenue goals. During her tenure, Saint Anselm College experienced record-breaking applicant pools, a decrease in the admit rate, increased quality of the enrolling class, and increased net revenue. Nanci has considerable experience working with boards of trustees and institutional leaders.
Her admission experience includes serving as director of admission at Smith College and Roger Williams University School of Law as well as various admission roles for Barnard College of Columbia University, New York University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Northfield Mount Hermon School. Nanci served as a Resident Director on the Semester at Sea program. She currently serves as a Member of the Corporation for Sea Education Association.
Beyond the Work
Nanci sees patterns everywhere—not just in the data. An avid quilter, Nanci relishes selecting a pattern that matches the soul of the person for whom she’s creating another masterpiece. Each quilt is a labor of love, and Nanci finds tremendous joy in the reactions of the recipients of these unique and timeless gifts. And recipients, there are many! As one of eleven children, Nanci’s life brims with nieces, nephews, and an array of milestones for family and friends. In the summer you can often find her heading to Cape Cod, her cherished childhood home, to spend time with this ever-expanding circle of loved ones.
Education
B.A. English and Political Science, Boston College
M.Ed. College Student Personnel Administration, Colorado State University
Eric Collum
Senior Associate
ERIC COLLUM
Senior Associate | collum@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 13
A longtime consultant at A&S, Eric Collum plays a leading role in nearly every aspect of our work with clients, including the development of research designs and survey instruments, data analysis and interpretation, and the creation of strategies and tactics to address clients’ goals.
Since joining the firm in 2006, Eric has worked on projects focused on enrollment (positioning and pricing), alumni relations, program development, and retention for a wide range of higher education clients, including professional schools, flagship public universities, private liberal arts colleges, schools of art, and independent schools. Past clients include: Boston College School of Law, Claremont McKenna College, College of William and Mary, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Otis College of Art & Design, Reed College, St. John’s College, University of Chicago, UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania College of Liberal and Professional Studies, Tuck School of Business, Viewpoint School in California, Wake Forest University, and Yale University.
Before finding a professional home at Art & Science Group, Eric taught composition and Shakespeare as a graduate student and later as a faculty member at George Mason University. He transitioned from academia to take on the role of managing editor for several educational research journals and later as a policy analyst and writer for an educational non-profit affiliated with George Washington University.
Beyond the Work
Eric lives in the Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore, his adopted home, with his life partner and two cats. He likes cycling, theater, and art, and on most weekends can be found pursuing his passion for sculpture in his studio space at Baltimore Clayworks.
Education
B.A. English and Philosophy, University of Miami
M.A./ Ph.D. English Language and Literature, University of Delaware
Courtney Connor
Senior Associate
COURTNEY CONNOR
Senior Associate | connor@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 27
Since joining Art & Science Group in 2012, Courtney Connor has helped colleges, universities, and independent schools develop institutional strategy to reach their enrollment, financial, and mission-driven goals. In her role as Senior Associate, Courtney works with the firm’s partners to guide clients throughout the project process, helping them articulate their needs, designing and executing research projects to address those needs, and translating findings into strategic and actionable recommendations.
She has led projects for a variety of the firm’s higher education and independent school clients, including liberal arts colleges such as Bates College, Bryn Mawr College, Guilford College, and Loyola University in Maryland, and research institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and University of Washington, and independent schools including Bryn Mawr School, Collegiate School, Nueva School, Phillips Academy—Andover, and Tower Hill School. Courtney has also managed the firm’s research team, developing survey instruments and coordinating fielding of all projects.
Prior to working at Art & Science Group, Courtney worked in the Research and Evaluation Department at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. Among other projects, she was responsible for the qualitative component of a comprehensive study funded by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Childhood Development Division. Her work at Georgetown contributed to the development of strategies to identify at-risk children, teach families how to advocate for children with special needs, and improve pre-school retention.
Beyond the Work
Courtney is a Maryland native, having grown up in a household of ten in the suburbs of Washington, DC. She has fun experimenting with plant-based cooking at home with her spouse and children and exploring the many museums, hiking trails, and other sights in the Baltimore and DC areas. These days, Courtney and her family look forward to vacations in Sea Isle City, NJ, but she has been lucky to travel more broadly earlier in life and looks forward to one day making it to Antarctica so that she can say she’s traveled to every continent.
Education
B.A. Psychology, Minor History, Georgetown University
M.A. Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University
Jamie Ealy
Vice President
JAMIE EALY
Vice President | ealy@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 24
For more than 30 years Jamie Ealy has dedicated his career to higher education. As Vice President at Art & Science Group, Jamie leads engagements working with institutional leaders to address strategic priorities—ranging from market positioning and strategic planning to pricing, financial aid, market analyses, and enrollment strategy. With over fifteen years of experience as a senior associate at the firm and a deep understanding of the competitive pressures colleges, universities, and schools face, Jamie is particularly effective in helping institutions strengthen their positions to align with both their missions and market realities.
Since joining Art & Science Group, Jamie has worked closely with leadership teams at a wide range of institutions, including liberal arts colleges such as Agnes Scott College, Berea College, Colby College, Furman University, Grinnell College, Hendrix College, and Reed College, private universities such as Boston University, Duke Aging Center, Loyola Marymount University, University of Pennsylvania, and Washington University in St. Louis including several of its graduate and professional programs, and public institutions such as North Carolina State University, Portland State University, University of Montana, University of North Carolina School of Law, and University of Virginia, among many others. His positioning and strategic planning studies with independent schools includes the Buckley School, Collegiate School, Governor’s Academy, Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), the Milton Hershey School, and Montgomery Bell Academy.
Jamie has also served as an expert panelist and presenter at national conferences including the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), College Board Forum and Colloquium, the Annapolis Group, and the Council for Independent Colleges Institute for Chief Academic Officers.
Before joining Art & Science Group, Jamie served in enrollment management and senior admissions roles, including Vice President of Enrollment Management at Concord University, Director of Undergraduate Student Recruitment at West Virginia University, and Director of Admission at Berea College. His experiences working at institutions give him a deep and nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing enrollment leaders today—and continue to inform his ability to offer practical and actionable guidance rooted in both research and real-world operational insight.
Beyond the Work
In his free time, Jamie enjoys traveling and vacationing with his family throughout the United States and abroad. Recently, Ireland has established a firm foothold on his “favorite destinations” list as he assumes the visit has had statistically significant bearing on improving his chances of winning the lottery. (Outcomes of this research are still pending.) Whether traveling or at home, Jamie spends considerable time hiking and reading and is also an avid film buff and collector. His favorite movie is The Godfather, and he frequently will engage in unofficial Godfather trivia with David Strauss, firm Principal, to determine who is the truer fan.
Education
B.A. English, Concord University
M.A.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education/Student Affairs, Virginia Tech
Courtnee Jordan-Cox
Managing Associate
Courtnee Jordan-Cox
Managing Associate
Courtnee Jordan-Cox brings a wealth of experience in the higher education, nonprofit, public service, and K-12 sectors to her role as Managing Associate at Art & Science Group. With a strong background in organizational leadership, she specializes in strategic planning, institutional assessment, and developing systems that promote emotional, physical, and intellectual safety on college campuses. Her work as a Title IX officer, care team member, conduct officer, and Threat Assessment Team co-chair has been shaped by her early career as a professional counselor, providing her with a deep understanding of student needs and institutional dynamics.
Prior to joining Art & Science Group, Courtnee served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College, where she played a key role in shaping student-centered residential and academic initiatives, particularly in response to the pandemic. Her leadership helped establish effective critical cross-divisional teams focused on assessment, strategic planning, and equity work. She has also served as an administrator at Delaware Valley University and at Rowan University – Camden and has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Wilmington University.
Courtnee is actively engaged in professional organizations such as NASPA (National Association for Student Personnel Administrators) and MACUHO (Mid-Atlantic College and University Housing Officers). She holds professional credentials as an Internationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and in Title IX Hearings (officer and advisor), Advanced Violence Risk Assessment, Title IX Bias and Cultural Competencies, Online Teaching Pedagogy and Standards, and Strategic Communication. Her specialized training also includes antisemitism awareness, mentoring, and child welfare advocacy. Passionate about her higher education leadership, she is dedicated to exploring the systemic factors that influence retention, recruitment and belonging of students, faculty, and staff.
Beyond the Work
In her spare time, Courtnee enjoys teaching vinyasa-style yoga and advocating for maternal health and infant mortality improvements. She is a San Francisco Bay Area native, and an avid traveler, with a special fondness for Ghana, the Netherlands, and Greece. A dedicated member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since 2006, she actively participates in community service initiatives. Courtnee also enjoys creating mixed-media art, discovering new brunch spots, and seeking out the tallest and scariest roller coasters. At home, she cares for a rescue dog, an opinionated parrot, a 20-year-old aquatic turtle, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. She has a working knowledge of Spanish and American Sign Language and continually seeks opportunities to expand her language proficiency.
Education
B.A. Advertising and Sociology, Marquette University
M.A. Strategic Communication, Villanova University
Ph.D. Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington, DC
Christopher Silva
Managing Associate
CHRISTOPHER SILVA
Managing Associate | silva@artsci.com | 410-377-7880 x 28
For nearly 20 years, Christopher has improved higher education institutions with a focus on student services operations in the United States and abroad. He has helped universities boost revenue generation, increase student and family satisfaction and addressed issues of access.
As a managing associate at the firm, Chris brings a wealth of experience that enables him to bring nuanced insights to an institution’s strategic considerations. Chris works with the firm’s partners to guide clients through each stage of the project: helping clients articulate their needs, designing and executing research projects to address those needs, and translating findings into actionable tailored recommendations. Institutions with which Chris has worked include Miami University, University of Toledo, Wake Forest University, Haverford College, Allegheny College and Denison University.
Before joining Art & Science Group, Chris led student housing operations at American University, the University of Denver and Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar. Most recently, Chris served as a higher education subject matter expert for an educational technology firm focused on higher education enrollment.
Chris is an adjunct faculty member at American University and has served as guest lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Denver. He has held multiple leadership roles in professional associations, such as the Association for Colleges & Universities Housing Officers International, ACPA, NASPA, and AASHE.
Beyond the Work
In his spare time, Chris cherishes all the precious moments with his wife and two kids. He also finds joy in the sport of orienteering, where he can combine his passion for cross-country running with the thrill of navigating through diverse terrains using only a map and compass. He was born in Curitiba, Brazil, and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and has some understanding of Arabic (shway shway). He loves languages and would love to continue learning!
Education
B.A. International Studies, Utah State University
M.S.Ed. Counseling/Student Affairs, University of Nebraska at Kearney
M.L.A. Environmental Management/Sustainability, Harvard University
Ed.D. Higher Education Administration, University of Denver
Olubukola Akanbi
Research Associate
OLUBUKOLA AKANBI
Research Associate
Olubukola plays a key role in survey research design, survey testing, data reviews, and compilation and interpretation of data. She uses her research skills to solve complex research problems and uncover pain points, behaviors, and needs. She’s an expert in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Before joining Art & Science Group, Olubukola worked as an information specialist at Montgomery College Library, Rockville, and as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Baltimore. During her time there, she worked as a design and usability researcher. She also worked in the role of adjunct instructor at the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Baltimore while pursuing her doctorate in Information and Interaction Design.
Beyond the Work
Olubukola is the first child and grew up in Oyo, a city in southwestern Nigeria. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is blessed with three wonderful children and a lovely husband. Olubukola is inspired by the life, work, and teachings of Dr. David Oyedepo, a preacher and leader. Her favorite travel destination is Cape Town, South Africa.
Education
B.S. Library and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
M.S. Information Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
D.S. Information and Interaction Design, University of Baltimore
Carter Carter
Research Assistant
CARTER CARTER
Research Assistant
As a member of the Research Team, Carter utilizes his expertise in data analysis to uncover meaningful insights that best characterize clients’ desired needs and goals. He works collaboratively with other Research Team members to ensure high-quality data collection, survey design, and statistical analysis, helping to inform key decision-making processes. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, Carter translates complex datasets into actionable findings for research projects and client reports.
Prior to joining Art & Science Group, Carter worked as a Data Analyst at the University of Maryland, where he focused on public health interventions. He has experience cleaning and managing large datasets, conducting exploratory and statistical analyses, and developing research manuscripts on topics including PrEP adherence among Black transgender women, tobacco prevention messaging for LGBTQ+ youth, and youth health behaviors using survey data. His work has contributed to multiple academic publications and public health initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
Beyond the Work
Carter grew up moving internationally living in places like Kuwait, the Philippines, Mauritius, and Norway, shaping his global perspectives. Outside of research, he is passionate about community engagement, having volunteered in HIV testing initiatives and harm reduction efforts in Washington, DC. When he’s not working with data, Carter enjoys cooking foods from his many backgrounds, going to the gym, playing recreational soccer with friends, making fragrances, and spending time with his two cats Fig and Fry.
Education
B.S. Family Science, University of Maryland, College Park
B.S. Public Health Science, University of Maryland, College Park
M.P.H. Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park
Lara Fields
Research Associate
LARA FIELDS
Research Associate
Lara Fields leads the firm’s qualitative research efforts. With almost a decade of experience supporting research and operations for education and nonprofit organizations, she plays a key role in qualitative research design, data gathering, project management, and analysis and reporting for client projects. Lara understands the important role qualitative data plays in providing context for issues facing higher education and K-12 schools and uses her expertise in qualitative methodologies to illuminate the market-informed strategies that best align with client needs.
Having previously supported A&S as a Research Assistant and then as an Affiliate Consultant, Lara has worked with a wide range of clients including colleges and universities such as Augsburg University, Bates College, Berea College, Bryn Mawr College, Case Western Reserve University, College of Saint Mary, Denison University, Grinnell College, Loyola Marymount University, Ursinus College, Washington University in St. Louis, and Whitman College and independent schools including Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School, Milton Hershey School, The Hockaday School, and The Nueva School.
Before joining A&S in her current role, Lara was an administrator with Baltimore City Public Schools, where she supported the management of district-wide social-emotional learning curriculum, health services, athletics programming, and attendance monitoring initiatives. In addition to her experience in education, Lara has aided research and operations for arts and culture, public history, and international health and development organizations.
Beyond the work:
As a life-long cat lady, Lara enjoys lounging on the couch with her cat, Petra and watching the latest true crime docuseries. Lara is also an avid cook and often experiments in the kitchen with new cuisines and recipes; the spicier the better! When seeking adventure, Lara likes to find hidden karaoke spots around town with friends.
Education
A.B. Anthropology and Classical & Near Eastern Archaeology, Bryn Mawr College
Terry Houser
Executive Director of Research
TERRY HOUSER
Executive Director of Research
Terry Houser has a central role in all research projects from study design to the final presentation of findings to clients. With over fifteen years of experience in higher education research, Terry brings a high level of expertise to each project, while continuing to innovate and refine the firm’s research and statistical methodology. He works directly with project teams to analyze the results of research findings, interpret data, and develop reports. Terry directs all project work from the start of projects, determining the appropriate methodological design and approach for a project, through the analysis of the raw research data that have come in from the field. As the head of the research department, Terry manages, mentors, and trains the other members of the research team and conducts high-level statistical analyses for a wide range of projects, including large-scale survey research, econometric financial aid and retention analyses, and analyses of other client and secondary data. He has particular expertise in coordinating the firm’s advanced simulated decision modeling (SDM) process and results for all major client studies.
Since joining the firm in 2007, Terry has worked on large-scale research projects for a wide range of clients, including colleges and universities—such as Agnes Scott College, Dartmouth College, University of Chicago, Chicago-Kent College of Law, The Catholic University of America, Claremont McKenna College, Hendrix College, University of Richmond, Haverford College, University of Michigan, and the University of Virginia—and independent schools—such as The Buckley School, Norfolk Academy, The Nueva School, Philips Brooks School, Woodberry Forest School, and Milton Hershey School. Terry also plays a key role in conducting data analyses for studentPOLL, the firm’s national omnibus poll surveying college-bound high school students about their attitudes and behavior regarding the college search process.
Before joining the firm, Terry served as a research assistant and interviewer for the American Institutes for Research (AIR), where he played a key role in a longitudinal survey of Baltimore third graders focused on analyzing the effectiveness of a classroom-based intervention program implemented in several first-grade classrooms in the city.
Beyond the Work
When not enjoying America’s pastime, watching “dem’ O’s” at Camden Yards, Terry’s favorite pastime is finding new places to explore and playing disc golf. But no activity can compete with spending time with his amazing wife and daughter, and their dog, Ginny Hendricks—as they listen to his collection of vinyl or cassette tapes, or play with his retro gaming consoles from his youth.
Education
B.S. Psychology / Sociology, James Madison University
M.S. Predictive Analytics, Northwestern University
Leilani Martinez
Research Assistant
LEILANI MARTINEZ
Research Assistant
As a member of the Research Team, Leilani utilizes her experience with data analyzation to compose stories that best characterize clients’ needs and goals. Leilani leverages her written and oral communication skills through collaboration with other Research Team members to ensure quality data is received via surveys and informed conclusions are made to best serve our clients.
Prior to joining the Art & Science Group just six months after graduating college, Leilani interned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology during as an undergraduate. At NIST, she worked on the production and publication of cybersecurity guidance for the world of research in higher education as well as informed recommendations to folks working with voting technology.
Beyond the Work
Leilani was born a Los Angeles Dodgers fan due to her father’s upbringing on Guam; the tiny island in Micronesia where only LA sports were available arriving as video tapes via boat at least one day after any sporting event. Outside of her love for the boys in Dodger blue, Leilani is an avid music fan. At the University of Maryland, she was a radio host and has over 100 concerts under her belt. During baseball’s off-season or when there aren’t any concerts to attend Leilani likes nothing more than to snuggle up with her cats, Yoshi and Tsuki, and knit.
Education
B.S. Social Data Science, University of Maryland, College Park
Neal Patterson
Research Associate
NEAL PATTERSON
Research Associate
Neal plays a key role in compiling and interpreting data to develop reports. He specializes in the areas of survey testing, data entry, analysis of data on client competition, and the development of research presentations. He works closely with the project team to ensure that presentations address the specific needs of the clients. Neal also updates and curates the firm’s numerous databases which catalog the firm’s vast analytical material from the past 30 years.
Neal first joined the firm in 2018 after many years working in the fields of public relations, financial communications, and freelance writing. He soon discovered that his research skills, eye for detail, and ability to analyze and provide perspective on raw data were perfectly suited to the world of quantitative research analysis.
Prior to joining the firm, Neal spent over a decade writing about food and pop culture. He’s co-authored three books on Maryland cuisine and a collection of short stories.
Beyond the Work
Neal spends most of his free time reading (mysteries and science fiction are favorites, but also history and biographies). When he is feeling crafty, Neal likes to build models and create custom action figures. He and his wife love cooking and keeping up with the Baltimore restaurant scene.
Education
B.A. English, University of Baltimore
Lisa Simmons
Research Manager
LISA SIMMONS
Research Manager
Lisa has a wealth of experience using quantitative and qualitative data to understand complex problems and provide informed recommendations to businesses and nonprofits situated at the intersections of higher education and community initiatives. Transforming data and findings into evidence-based perspectives and recommendations is her favorite part of the work. As Research Manager, she helps write, design, build, and analyze data from surveys, and also, conducts qualitative interviews and focus groups, and contributes to other ad-hoc research projects in support of secondary research initiatives at the firm.
Before joining Art & Science Group, Lisa spent 10 years managing all aspects of large-scale survey projects with K-12 and higher education stakeholders and private industry partners as a research faculty member at Auburn University. The projects focused on external and program evaluations that supported the increase of educational access and outcomes for disadvantaged student populations through STEM-based programming. Previously, she also worked at a high-security juvenile detention center that used data and research to inform treatment and release from incarceration.
Lisa is an affiliated faculty member at Auburn University and has served in multiple leadership roles in professional associations such as the American Evaluation Association and the Southeast Evaluation Association.
Beyond the Work
When not lost in complex data tables, Lisa can be found seeking out new places to walk or ride bikes with the family rescue dogs, Sophie, a husky mix, and Phoebe, a corgi mix. An ardent supporter and devotee of National Sandwich Day, she honors and celebrates the day appropriately every November 3rd and continues to demonstrate her devotion to sandwiches while tailgating with friends and family and cheering on the Tigers at Auburn games.
Education
B.A. Psychology, Auburn University
M.A. Developmental Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
Ph.D. Educational Psychology and Program Evaluation, Auburn University
Toni Blackwell
Affiliate Consultant
TONI BLACKWELL
Affiliate Consultant | blackwell@artsci.com
As an Affiliate Consultant, Toni Blackwell works with the firm’s partners on each stage of the project, helping clients identify their needs, engaging in the strategic assessment by conducting qualitative interviews with institutional leaders, administrators, faculty, students, and alumni, as well as helping to design surveys to address those needs and sharing findings and recommendations.
Toni has more than 40 years of professional experience in Higher Education in the area of Student Affairs at various sized institutions from small private to her last position at Johns Hopkins University as Senior Associate Dean of Students. At Hopkins, she was responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of Student Health and Wellness, which included the Department of Case Management, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Health and Wellness Center as well as the University’s after-hours on call system.
In addition to Johns Hopkins, Toni’s Student Affairs career includes serving as Assistant Director of Residence Life and Director of Multicultural Affairs at Russell Sage College where she assisted the College in developing their first Diversity strategy for recruiting and retaining students of color; as Assistant Dean/Director of Student Diversity Programs at Babson College; as Associate Dean of Student Services at Mills College overseeing Career Services, Religious/Spiritual Life, and Wellness and Community Outreach; and as Associate Dean of Students at Berklee College of Music with a focus on developing a College-wide training for Title IX compliance.
Since 2021, Toni has been a part-time consultant with New York University’s Florence, Italy campus where she has assisted with program development focused on Diversity and Inclusion for students and faculty. Additionally, she has provided professional development coaching to various staff members in their Student Affairs Division.
Education
B.A. Creative Arts Therapy, Russell Sage College
M.A. Counseling/Higher Education Administration, The College of New Jersey
Arlene Wesley Cash
Affiliate Consultant
ARLENE WESLEY CASH
Affiliate Consultant | cash@artsci.com
Arlene Wesley Cash serves as an Affiliate Consultant to aid in conducting qualitative interviews with administrators, faculty, staff, students, trustees, donors, and distinguished opinion leaders.
A national leader in enrollment management with nearly 40 years of professional experience, Arlene served as the Vice President/Dean for Enrollment Management at a number of colleges and universities across the country, including University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Spelman College, and consulted with liberal arts and research institutions on the development of strategic enrollment plans and issues of diversity and access. As a first-generation college student, Arlene is a TRIO program graduate and served professionally and in a voluntary capacity with a number of Upward Bound programs. She has been an active member of the College Board, NACAC, and AACRAO, serving on a number of national and regional boards and committees. A frequent presenter at conferences and professional meetings, Arlene has authored and contributed to numerous articles on college admissions, enrollment management, student success programs, diversity in higher education, and student debt.
Prior to joining Art & Science, Arlene had the opportunity to engage with the firm’s work as a client at Spelman College and Guilford College. She brings a clear outcomes-based understanding of the value and importance of leveraging Art & Science Group and its methodologies to inform decision-making.
Education
B.A. in English and Philosophy, Keuka College
M.A. in Philosophy, Kent State University
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, University of Georgia