LEO SIMONETTA
Chief Methodologist Emeritus
During his career, Leo Simonetta had over 35 years of research experience and a distinguished track record of overseeing large-scale survey research studies in fields ranging from education and political science to psychology and travel and tourism. His work has been cited in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, The Associated Press and numerous other media outlets as well as academic journals. While serving as the Director of Analytics and Chief Methodologist at Art & Science Group, Leo was responsible for determining the most rigorous study design and analytical approach for all market research studies conducted by the firm. Leo played a vital role in building the firm’s reputation as the preeminent source for advanced market research and statistical analysis in higher education.
During Leo's 25 years with the firm, he applied his innovative research methods to large-scale studies focused on guiding the branding, pricing, strategic planning, and advancement decision-making for a wide range of institutions, from prestigious public universities such as the University of Virginia and the University of Michigan, to smaller liberal arts colleges such as Hendrix, Grinnell, Hamilton and Reed colleges. He was also instrumental in developing and refining the firm’s predictive research methods that help institutions understand the consequences of different branding ideas, academic initiatives and pricing and aid levels on, for example, students’ actual decisions to apply or enroll at an institution.
Leo’s track record in higher education and other fields made him a recognized leader among research experts. He was a member of the Communications Committee of AAPOR for several years and served on the Transition Committee. Leo's work has been published in over a dozen peer-reviewed journals.
In November 2023, Leo retired from Art & Science Group, and has been named Chief Methodologist Emeritus of Art & Science Group to honor his legacy and in recognition of his leadership and significant contributions to the firm and, ultimately to the higher education community.
Education
B.S. Business, Virginia Commonwealth University
M.S. Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
Ph.D. Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University. Named Outstanding Social Psychology Graduate Student