Mark Figueroa named director of institutional research

Mark Figueroa, currently the director of assessment, planning, and institutional research at Scripps College, will join the Lewis & Clark community as director of institutional research beginning November 15. Figueroa replaces Jay Beaman, who retired this summer after 10 years in the position.

Figueroa has been at Scripps since 2008, following a four-year stint as director of institutional research at St. Mary’s College of California and previous positions at Cal Tech and Cal State at Los Angeles, among other educational institutions. In addition to his assessment and research role at Scripps, he has co-chaired the diversity coordinating committee, chaired the enrollment management group, and coordinated the college’s emergency-preparedness planning. In addition, Figueroa has consulted for the Achieving the Dream Community College Initiative and California College of the Arts.

“During my visit to campus, I could feel a positive energy from all the people with whom I met,” Figueroa said. “It was clear to me that there is an excitement and enthusiasm about the next chapter in the College’s history. I am looking forward to joining the Lewis & Clark community and contributing to the enhancement of the College’s reputation and success.”

A University of California at Riverside graduate, Figueroa has PhD in higher education and administration from Claremont Graduate University and a master of public administration degree from Arizona State.

President Barry Glassner said he and other faculty and administrators who interviewed Figueroa were impressed by his ability to make data and analysis more integral factors in planning and decision-making, outcomes assessment, and helping institutions achieve their aspirations.

“Given Mark’s record at Scripps and elsewhere, I am excited about what he will accomplish here in bringing data and statistical analysis to bear on our strategic decision-making,” Glassner said.

Figueroa will report to Vice President and Provost Jane Atkinson.