Portrait of Laura Jones

Laura Jones

Chief Institutional Data Officer (CIDO), Institutional Research and Analysis, Northern Arizona University

In her current role, Laura Jones assumes executive-level responsibility and coordination for all enterprise information and data management initiatives. When Laura began in the CIDO role in 2016, she was tasked with designing, developing, and implementing a comprehensive data governance structure in support of the university’s mission and strategic goals. Three years later, NAU has made significant progress towards accomplishing their initial goals to improve data quality, data collection, data and policy management, and secure access to timely data. Laura works with leadership to further advance data governance initiatives through refined data standards, improved data integrity, and accessible and relevant training for all campus users.

Prior to the CIDO role, Laura served as NAU’s Associate Vice President for Planning and Institutional Research, overseeing the team responsible for all aspects of official university reporting and analysis. Laura draws on the broad foundation of experiences she gained through more than 20 years in various positions at NAU in the Registrar’s Office, College of Business, Academic Advising, and on the Oracle PeopleSoft Implementation Team. The current CIDO role provides her with the unique opportunity to advance data governance initiatives while maintaining Institutional Research and Analysis oversight. Laura possesses a Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Piano Performance and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration, both from NAU.