Student Affairs Assessment Leaders recently recognized Abhinav Varma Vathadi, current graduate student in the Masters of Professional Studies in Data Science program (graduating in spring 2026) and data scientist graduate assistant in the Division of Student Affairs as the recipient of the Outstanding Student Contributions to Assessment Award. This is an individual award for a full-time graduate or undergraduate student for their contributions to assessment at their institution and in the assessment community. 

Award nominator Dr. Mary Ellen Wade, director of assessment and planning, stated, "Abhinav's work exemplifies curiosity, responsibility, and collaboration, and has significantly strengthened the division's capacity for data-informed decision-making. Abhinav has contributed to a culture of shared learning across Student Affairs by developing presentations and guides to help staff confidently interpret and use data. His work reflects a commitment to student success and institutional storytelling." 

Dr. Wade nominated Abhinav for this award for the ways he has used his data science background to partner with Retriever Integrated Health, Student Engagement, and other student affairs departments to assist with assessment, particularly for his expertise with Tableau dashboards.

Student Affairs Assessment Leaders is an international volunteer-led community of practice dedicated to advancing equity-centered, high-quality assessment within higher education student affairs divisions. It serves as a professional network for educators to share, learn, and collaborate on measuring student learning, co-curricular success, and program effectiveness.