Dr. Laura Willman is appointed Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness
Dr. Laura Willman has been appointed Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness at HFC.
“I’m very excited about my new role,” said Willman, who joined the College in 2023. “I’ll be working on a variety of tasks related to effectiveness and planning like supporting our Higher Learning Commission accreditation, reviewing different areas on campus, and helping people connect with data in a meaningful way.”
Willman – who described herself as a “data nerd” – has served as a Research Analyst in HFC’s Institutional Research and Business Intelligence (IRBI) department since she joined the College.
“In my previous role, I helped with federal and state reporting, examining data as it relates to student success, and communicating with data users. I’ll be doing similar tasks, but my primary focus will be promoting institutional effectiveness and helping with other planning and assessment needs. I’m looking forward to continued work with the HFC community and helping use data to drive effective change,” she explained.
Willman began her new position on June 17. She reports directly to HFC Interim President Dr. Lori Gonko, as part of the Strategy and HR division.
“Institutional effectiveness refers to the way that data is leveraged across all facets of the institution, including planning, assessment, and continuous improvement of our departments and programs,” said Gonko. “It involves breaking down the data into digestible, actionable information. Laura’s education, experience, and friendly, accessible demeanor make her a natural for this role. I’m really excited to work with her in this new capacity.”
Built for institutional research
The youngest of two daughters, Willman is a first-generation college student. Born in Indianapolis, she lives in Oakland County.
Willman is an alumna of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in her native Indianapolis. She graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Willman subsequently earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees in applied experimental psychology from Central Michigan University.
“I’ve learned so much so quickly and will continue to listen, learn, and ask questions in my new role,” said Willman.
Her interest in institutional research grew while pursuing her Ph.D. at CMU. One of her mentors, CMU Assistant Director of Academic Planning & Analysis Dr. Amanda Scherr, encouraged her to go into institutional research. Scherr told Willman that she was built for it.
“I love getting to use data to better understand who our students are and how they’re performing or helping identify areas we could improve in serving them,” she said. “I’m lucky to work with such smart people who are also data nerds like me. I’ve also developed friendships with others on campus and really enjoy finding new ways to collaborate.”
Dr. Jason D. Young, IRBI director and Willman's previous supervisor, applauds the new role. "Laura's transition to Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness marks a significant step, not just for her, but for the College. Her strong analytical and educational background will be a tremendous asset in her new role. I eagerly anticipate continued collaboration with her as we strive for excellence,” he said.
Willman also leads SAFE@HFC, a volunteer initiative
Becoming the Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness isn’t Willman’s only new role. In the Winter 2025 semester, she became the chair of SAFE@HFC, a volunteer campus organization of faculty and staff who are spreading awareness on campus, providing support, promoting inclusion, and connecting HFC students and employees to resources that help the LGBTQ+ community.
“One of my major goals for SAFE@HFC is to keep up the momentum of last semester by planning events and opportunities to come together in the Fall 2025 semester,” said Willman. “We were able to do so many great events this past spring, including collecting almost 500 pounds of food donations for the Hawks’ Nest and collaborating with the student-led Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) Club. A primary goal in the 2025-26 fiscal year is to restart ally training and find more ways to connect and support others.”
SAGA faculty advisor Dr. Chelsea Lonsdale has worked closely with Willman through SAFE.
“Laura’s enthusiasm as the SAFE@HFC chair is contagious!” said Lonsdale. “Her educational background and her dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff make her an excellent leader, not only for SAFE@HFC but for HFC as a whole! The opportunities we’ve had to collaborate this past year have renewed my sense of hope and possibility. I’m so grateful to work alongside her.”