The College of Southern Maryland has appointed Dr. Brandon Nzekwe as the Executive Director of Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Research, a position aimed at enhancing data accessibility and decision-making across the institution. Nzekwe assumed the role on June 16, bringing experience from both universities and community colleges to support the college’s mission in the Southern Maryland region.
“Dr. Brandon Nzekwe brings to CSM a wealth of experience across both four-year universities and community colleges, where he was instrumental in turning complex institutional data into clear, usable insights,” said Dr. Bill Comey, CSM Vice President of Operations. “His proven leadership, extensive subject matter expertise, and commitment to professional excellence and community engagement will undoubtedly contribute to our continued growth. We are thrilled to have him on board in this pivotal role.”
In his new position, Nzekwe will focus on fostering a culture of data democratization at the College of Southern Maryland, making information more readily available to guide strategic choices that align with providing high-quality education and services. This appointment comes at a time when community colleges like the College of Southern Maryland are increasingly relying on data to improve operational efficiency and student outcomes.
“Choosing to work at CSM was an opportunity that I could not pass up as I could clearly see a vision for Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Research (PIR) to help lead the college’s institutional data democratization efforts,” said Dr. Nzekwe. “I’m excited to work with such a talented PIR Team as we support the data access and reporting needs of the college’s leadership, divisions, schools, departments, and offices more broadly with the effective data tools we employ.”
Before joining the College of Southern Maryland, Nzekwe served as Associate Director of Data Analytics in George Mason University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning. There, he played a key role in transforming institutional data into actionable insights that supported strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Earlier in his career at George Mason, he started as a Senior Research Analyst, contributing to efforts that enhanced data usage across the university local event report.
Nzekwe holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree from Florida State University. He is also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he spearheads scholarship and outreach programs in the community and within the organization. These efforts include initiatives like providing up to $5,000 in scholarships for students, demonstrating his dedication to educational access beyond his professional roles local event report.
The Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Research Department at the College of Southern Maryland integrates institutional planning, improves effectiveness processes, and delivers accurate data to various stakeholders, including government agencies and accreditors. Its mission emphasizes collaboration, a student-centered approach, data integrity, and literacy. The department’s vision, updated in September 2022, seeks to shift the College of Southern Maryland’s culture toward data-empowered decisions to boost student success. Under Nzekwe’s leadership, the team includes Assistant Director Dr. Tracy Bacon, Research Analyst II Chip Keech, Research Analyst I Donna Staff, and one open Research Analyst I position.
This focus on affordability and accessibility aligns with the College of Southern Maryland’s role in the region, where it supports economic development through education tailored to local needs. The college’s accreditation by the Maryland Higher Education Commission ensures it meets standards for transfer and career preparation, benefiting residents who may be familiar with landmarks like the La Plata campus or regional workforce demands.
Nzekwe’s expertise is expected to strengthen these efforts, particularly in using data to inform policies that enhance student retention and completion rates. The College of Southern Maryland continues to prioritize initiatives that empower its community, drawing on local partnerships and resources to maintain its commitment to quality instruction.
