Overview
From 2003 until 2025, the Julia M. Duckwall Professional Development Scholarship program facilitated the professional growth and development of early-career institutional research professionals.
Named in honor of the late Julia M. Duckwall, a prominent member of AIR and the board, the scholarship was awarded in the spirit of her tireless passion for advancing the field of institutional research. Up to three awards may be granted to support significant professional development activities.
Previous Recipients
- Cassandra R. Kepple, Metrics Business Analyst, Florida State University (2024)
- Robert Merchant, Research Analyst, Mid-Plains Community College (2023)
- Shari Rutherford, Institutional Research Analyst, Harcum College (2020)
- India Hampton, Research Analyst, Southeast Missouri State University (2019)
- Brooke Kile, Director, Institutional Research, Marian University (2019)
- William Warfel, Administrative Planning Specialist, Washington State University (2019)
- DiYanna Jiles, Data Analyst, Institutional Research, Spelman College (2018)
- Matthew McGraw, Associate Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness and Academic Services, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (2018)
- Indira Vadapally, Business Intelligence Coordinator, Institutional Research & Effectiveness, Waukesha County Technical College (2018)
- Emily Zobel, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, University of Wisconsin – Superior (2017)
- Megan Ryan, Institutional Research Analyst, Roger Williams University (2017)
- Jaclyn Butler, Planning and Research Associate, Pennsylvania State University (2017)
- Marc LoGrasso, Institutional Outcomes Assessment Analyst, Bryant & Stratton College-Amherst (2016)
- Johnson Mwangi, Statistical Analyst, Strathmore University (2016)
- Ronald Severtis, Director, Office of Institutional Research, Indiana University-Southeast (2016)
- Sara Cooper, Information Research Analyst, Jackson State Community College (2015)
- Lisa Cowan, Data Analyst/Research Associate, Southern Regional Education Board (2015)
- Jennifer May, Research Analyst, Tufts University (2015)
- Kristin McKinley, Associate Director of Research Administration, Lawrence University (2014)
- Elizabeth Owolabi, Director of Institutional Research, Concordia University Chicago (2014)
- Keri Samson, Director of Institutional Research, Assessment & Planning, University of Dubuque (2014)
- Rachel Krug, Director of Institutional Research, Franklin Pierce University (2013)
- Theresa Milton, Director of Institutional Research, Arizona Christian University (2013)
- Linda Wellborn, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation Activities, Evangel University (2013)
"There is a lot of excitement and energy in IR [at the Forum], as well as synergy. There are constant opportunities to learn and grow in this field and a large cohort of people who are excited to share that journey with you." —Jaclyn Butler, 2017 Duckwall Scholarship Recipient
“The Forum provides an excellent opportunity for learning, sharing, discovering, networking, inspiring, and celebrating. Attending pre-conference workshops to learn new skills has been beneficial, as this time is already set aside in my schedule for professional development. Most importantly I have learned while the structure, work, and responsibilities of IR offices varies, we all strive to serve our institutions and, more importantly, be a voice for our students." —Kristin McKinley, 2014 Duckwall Scholarship Recipient