Strong Foundations 2025: Trends and Insights in State Postsecondary Data

Thursday, May 22, 2025

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM East Coast USA Time

Location: Panzacola F2

Institution Type: Other Organizations or offices outside of an institution (e.g. research institute/system office/association)

Target Audience: Any

Presenter(s)

Sean M. Baser (he/him/his)

Senior Policy Analyst
State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)
Paris, Texas, United States
Jessica Colorado (she/her/hers)

Senior Policy Analyst
State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Session Abstract: The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association has conducted the Strong Foundations survey to investigate the collection, use, and value of state postsecondary student unit record systems (PSURs). The 2025 Strong Foundations survey builds on previous efforts, featuring enhancements in longitudinal data collection and a special focus on rural student data. This presentation features interactive Tableau dashboards that allow users to explore trends in PSUR characteristics; key data elements by state and sector; and linkages to K-12, workforce, and other state data systems over time. Attendees will gain insights, actionable strategies, and best practices into how states are leveraging PSUR data to advance student success, achieve state attainment goals, understand and improve the value of higher education, and enhance equity and opportunity for underserved populations.

Keywords: student unit record systems, state longitudinal data systems, data governance, visualizations