About Assessment & Strategic Planning
Welcome
Dear Colleagues:
Our office takes pride in fostering a division-wide approach to support our dedicated staff members. We are here to help you understand the profound impact our Student Affairs programs and events have on student learning and the overall student experience. Whether you are planning, implementing, analyzing, or making data-informed decisions, we provide the training and support you need to succeed. As assessment champions and collaborative partners, we lead annual operational achievements and effectiveness reports to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
We value your contributions and are committed to working together to achieve our shared goals. Your efforts make a significant difference in the lives of our students, and we are here to support you every step of the way. You can locate us conveniently on the second floor of the Melton Student Center in suite 2101. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to assist you in your valuable work. We are here for you and look forward to supporting your endeavors!
Meet our Staff
Dr. Vanessa F. Harrison serves as the Director of Assessment and Strategic Planning at Auburn University within the Division of Student Affairs. In this role, she leads the coordination, design, implementation, and interpretation of assessment, evaluation, and research projects that align with the mission and strategic plan of both Student Affairs and Auburn University. Dr. Harrison and her team are dedicated to fostering data-informed decision-making and promoting a culture of evidence, collaboration, and continuous quality improvement.
With fifteen years of experience in higher education, Dr. Harrison has a rich background in managing federally funded, applied research projects and has also served as an instructor for experiential learning tied to these projects. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Auburn University, specializing in program evaluation and research methods.
Dr. Harrison is passionate about holistic student support and is committed to guiding students through their academic journeys and beyond. Alongside her administrative duties, she continues to teach as adjunct faculty, offering graduate-level courses in educational research methods and assessment, as well as first-year experience seminar courses.
Rachel Odomes is the Senior Analyst in the office of Assessment and Strategic Planning within Student Affairs at Auburn University. Rachel has extensive experience working with multi-agency evaluations including coordinating with implementation agencies, delivering and monitoring partners’ delivery of healthy relationship programming in communities, developing and training staff on data collection and curriculum fidelity protocols, and collecting data from participants and staff.
Additionally, Rachel brings unique expertise in data analysis and report development for large, state-wide, multi-agency evaluations. Rachel has also served as a researcher and data analyst on a state funded, community-based project where she was responsible for managing data and running analysis.
Rachel’s passion for fostering student success plays a pivotal role in evaluating and enhancing the student experience here at Auburn University. She is committed to assisting with making data-informed decisions, while also promoting continuous improvement across student affairs initiatives.
Susan Osayande is a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Assessment and Strategic Planning, within the Division of Student Affairs at Auburn University. Susan assists with the development of assessment tools and strategic planning resources, data analysis for evaluations, program reviews, surveys, and focus groups. She provides support to the Director of Assessment and Strategic Planning, helping to advance the office’s mission of fostering continuous improvement and student success.
Susan earned her Master in Development Practice Degree from Auburn University where she gained valuable experience designing instructional materials, conducting student assessments, data analysis, and student support. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science, Susan’s research focuses on evaluating policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic inequality.
Susan is committed to her growth in the Assessment and Strategic Planning office and is deeply passionate about supporting data-informed decision-making, enhancing student outcomes, and fostering positive opportunities.
Contact our Office
We are located in the Melton Student Center, Suite 2101.
Mailing Address:
255 Heisman Drive
Suite 2101
Auburn, AL 36849
Email: saasp@auburn.edu
Phone: 334-844-1321
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255 Heisman Drive
Harold D. Melton Student Center, Suite 2101
Auburn, AL 36849
