Casey: ‘Data can illuminate policy issues’

Operas rely on music, character development and plot to drive the drama and passion that audiences so appreciate.

Martha Casey, herself a serious opera buff, applies elements of the operatic stage to the realm of data and analysis.

“Data can illuminate policy issues,” she says. “They don’t in and of themselves determine what are the best policy decisions, but they can help perceptions that stand in the way of making good decisions.”

During her 35 years at UW–Madison, Casey has seen such illuminations many times. Since 1996 she has served as assistant vice chancellor for academic planning and analysis in the Provost’s Office. She retired Aug. 1.

Casey has worked for nearly 20 years, for example, to correct the perception that it takes longer now than in the past to obtain a degree from UW–Madison. In fact, she notes, during the past 25 years, the time-to-degree period has remained relatively constant at four-and-one-third years, although it is now declining slightly to 4.2 years, she says.

After receiving a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Casey began her career at UW–Madison as a postdoctoral fellow and research associate in the Department of Chemistry and the School of Pharmacy. Her interest in data and analysis — which was natural for a chemist — led to a position working with the 1975-77 biennial budget. In 1978, she joined the Office of Budget, Planning and Analysis as an assistant director and concentrated primarily on data and analysis, institutional research and budget issues. In 1992, she added responsibility for new program development, program review and support of the University Academic Planning Council. More recently, she has worked with faculty and administrators who want to develop new majors.

“We try to anticipate questions that will arise as the proposal is reviewed at various levels, and assure that the questions are addressed,” she explains. “For example, will the new major have adequate support? How will the new program mesh with others? Does it duplicate others offered elsewhere in the UW System? Does the new program contribute to Wisconsin’s economic development plans?”

When Casey joined the administration, UW–Madison had no office responsible for research, data and analysis. In time she built the office to its current size and scope. The unit now handles such critical responsibilities as overseeing the official university enrollment and tuition revenue projections, student retention and graduation patterns, and faculty salary and workload analysis.

However, Casey’s acumen has not been limited to numbers: Information, after all, has little use unless it is conveyed.

“Martha has a remarkable ability to communicate research findings,” observes UW–Madison’s vice chancellor emeritus John Torphy, who worked with Casey from 1989 until his own retirement in June.

Indeed, Casey was a prime mover behind the establishment of the now-yearly Data Digest. She also has represented UW–Madison as one of the 65 members of the American Association of Universities Data Exchange, regarded as the single best source of comparative analysis for major research universities.

“She’s significantly strengthened our ties with the Data Exchange. She’s improved UW–Madison’s contribution to that group by taking an active role,” says Bruce Beck, senior policy and planning analyst, who has worked with Casey for the last 20 years.

Casey, he adds, demonstrates extraordinary leadership qualities. “She could be demanding — she always set high expectations for us,” he says. “But Martha always provided a great deal of encouragement, too. She’s a great motivator.”

Casey has employed her leadership skills and big-picture approach as a trustee of the Madison Rotary Foundation, a director-at-large for the Wisconsin Alumni Association, board president for the University Club and a member of the American Chemical Society’s national council. Not surprisingly, she has also served as a member of the Madison Opera Guild board of directors.

“Opera is my special love,” she says. “I go to the Metropolitan Opera in New York with a great opera-loving friend as often as I can.”

Casey’s retirement leaves a void in Bascom Hall. “Martha has always been committed to helping the university. The office will miss her enthusiasm and willingness to put the numbers in a meaningful context,” says Torphy.