For me, the most rewarding part of IR is seeing the direct, real-world impact data has on student success initiatives and support programs—especially those serving diverse and marginalized students. Some of my favorite projects over the past few years include partnering with PSU’s Veteran Resource Center to achieve a Military Friendly School designation, supporting DEI efforts toward becoming an MSI and emerging HSI, and leveraging data to secure vital grant funding for programs like TRIO, Higher Education in Prison (HEP), and other multicultural retention initiatives.

Name: Allyson Meyers
Title: Sr. Institutional Research Analyst
Organization: Portland State University (PSU) | Portland, OR

Can you describe your current role in institutional research and how it supports your institution’s mission?

In my current role at PSU, I report data for IPEDS and national ranking organizations, administer and analyze institutional surveys, provide data support for institutional grants, and serve on various campus committees—work that directly aligns with PSU’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City.” Additionally, I serve as President of the Pacific Northwest Association for IR and Planning (PNAIRP), an AIR affiliate supporting institutions across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia, as well as our recent expansion in the Rocky Mountain region.

What sparked your interest in institutional research, and how has your career evolved since then?

My journey in IR began in 2018 as a graduate student in PSU’s Office of IR and Planning (OIRP), where I primarily administered and reported on course evaluations and institutional surveys. In 2021, I earned my master’s in Statistics and transitioned into a full-time Research Analyst role. Working in IR over the past five years is what ultimately drove my passion for higher education research—inspiring my decision to pursue an Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education at Oregon State University this fall.

What’s one project or accomplishment in your IR work that you’re especially proud of—and why?

For me, the most rewarding part of IR is seeing the direct, real-world impact data has on student success initiatives and support programs—especially those serving diverse and marginalized students. Some of my favorite projects over the past few years include partnering with PSU’s Veteran Resource Center to achieve a Military Friendly School designation, supporting DEI efforts toward becoming an MSI and emerging HSI, and leveraging data to secure vital grant funding for programs like TRIO, Higher Education in Prison (HEP), and other multicultural retention initiatives.

When you’re not working with data, how do you like to spend your time?

My favorite hobbies outside of work include cooking, gardening, reading, traveling with my significant other, photography, and anything related to arts and crafts. Over the past year, I’ve become an avid gardener and self-taught knitter; teaching myself eleven different stitches/patterns for chunky knit blankets and throws. My most recent craft obsession is scrapbooking and junk journaling all of my fun adventures!

What’s something about you—personal or professional—that might surprise your colleagues?

Something that might surprise my fellow colleagues is that I used to be a competitive swimmer, spending over 12 years in private club and high school swimming. I was a varsity and state qualifier all four years of high school and have continued swimming non-competitively throughout college and adulthood. In fact, I’m currently training for my first open-water event—a one-mile swim across the Columbia River this summer!