Presentations mark completion of certificate course for data-driven decision-making
On March 13, the first group of staff members from Finance and Administration (F&A) and University Human Resources (UHR) graduated from the Data Analytics for Decision Making certificate program.
As part of the graduation ceremony, participants presented team capstone projects that explored new ways to visualize and analyze data across key areas, including facilities, finance, human resources, student space use, and safety.
Delivered over five months by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG), the tailored course was designed specifically to meet the professional needs of F&A and UHR staff. CVIOG has offered this course to help multiple state agencies and public institutions build capacity in data analytics, providing practical strategies that support more effective, transparent, and responsive decision-making.
The certificate program is one piece of a broader Data Strategy initiative jointly led by F&A and UHR. This initiative aims to unify how both units manage and use data—aligning with the University System of Georgia’s emphasis on ethical data stewardship and consistent reporting, as well as UGA’s data governance framework, which promotes shared responsibility, data quality, and secure access.
By completing this certificate, participants have taken an important step in advancing a culture of data-informed decision-making. These graduates will help lead the way as F&A and UHR continue aligning people, processes, and technology to strengthen impact and drive continuous improvement across the university.
The inaugural cohort includes:
- David Akers, Auxiliary Services
- Chris Allinger, University Human Resources
- Nathan Berger, UGA Police
- Alan Bryan, Finance Division
- Hayley Clement, Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration
- Nolan Dasher, Auxiliary Services
- Justin Ellis, Facilities Management Division
- Adam Ghafourian, Office of University Architects
- John Graham, Finance Division
- Matthew Hardigree, Finance Division
- Savannah Hembree, Office of Emergency Preparedness
- Kirsten Jackson, UGA Police
- David Maddox, University Human Resources
- Lianna McAuliffe, Auxiliary Services
- Michael Powell, Environmental Safety Division
- Mike Perkins, Facilities Management Division
- Kim Seabolt, Finance Division
- Nazmus Sumon, Auxiliary Services
- Megan Thompson, UGA Police
- Ty Vickery, UGA Police
- Chris Williamson, Office of University Architects/Space Planning and Management
- Melissa Witcher, Office of University Architects
- Hanna Willingham, University Human Resources
- Zebulon Weeks, University Human Resources
