If you think managing a university's finances is complex, imagine simplifying it with the expertise of a data scientist who can turn numbers into actionable insights. Join Sarah Holtan, PhD as she hosts Matt Hendricks, PhD, founder of Perspective Data Science, to discuss financial transparency in higher education.

In this episode, Dr. Hendricks shares how his free research tool can transform raw financial data from audited reports into clear metrics like net income margins, cash flow, and endowment health. Discover how understanding these indicators can steer your institution towards financial stability, even spotlighting areas like staffing and competitive pricing strategies.

Curious about how a data-driven approach can resolve hidden financial issues at universities? Listen to learn how Dr. Hendricks’ insights could revolutionize your institution’s financial policies and enhance enrollment strategies.

Episode Highlights:

03:41 - Many schools that I look at and I'm like, "Wow. They're in serious trouble." You talk to somebody that is on their board or in their administration, and they're just totally in the dark, it seems.

06:58 - If your net cash from operating activities goes negative, it means you're not generating enough cash from operations to cover your payroll and other key expenses, which means you have to either borrow. So you'd like to track how these schools actually stay afloat when this goes negative.

16:12 - One thing I hate to see is a school that is struggling financially to the point where it's killing their school. And then find they're only admitting 30-40% of the applicants to their school while their peers have clearly adapted to the changing environment of higher ed, the increased competition, and they're admitting 75-80%.

44:39 - If I make the wrong decision first and I get new evidence, I'll make a new decision. It's as simple as that.

Sarah Holtan, PhD

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Matt Hendricks

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