For several years, I’ve joked with colleagues that my tombstone will read: “Not all solutions are physical.” It’s ironic, given my career in higher education space management. Even more so, considering I’ve spent the last decade working with architectural and planning firms. (The number of grimaces I’ve earned from former colleagues...)
But it’s true. Colleges and universities cannot build their way out of poor space utilization. If you’ve been paying attention over the last two decades, you know higher education has faced rising costs and increased scrutiny on its return on investment—from students, parents, taxpayers, donors, alumni, policymakers, and beyond. To be clear: I believe deeply in the value of higher education. I’ve dedicated my career to it. That’s why I’m equally passionate about the idea that we can, and must, do better.
Here’s where the irony thickens: I never imagined I’d have a career rooted in numbers. Yet here I am, in 2025, a self-described data nerd. Data should form the foundation for understanding the space we have today, how much we have, and how it compares to best practices, modern pedagogy, and design. Over the years, I’ve worked with institutions across the U.S. (and a few in the Middle East) to answer these questions. Until recently, though, capturing real-time usage data reliably wasn’t feasible. While instructional space utilization could be linked to course enrollment data, post-pandemic realities have raised new questions about actual space usage. For instance: How many students are really showing up for that 8 a.m. statistics class?
This is where my career took a turn. Why Degree Analytics, Alyson? Because location-based technology (think “occupancy sensors”) became a recurring topic of interest for the institutions I worked with. My mind spun around the different ways this type of technology could help us better understand actual space usage—and make better decisions. Imagine the insights: better-informed space allocation, smarter building designs, optimized dining services, streamlined custodial schedules, improved emergency management, reduced utility costs, and more. Although this isn’t a novel concept, occupancy technology has only recently become a practical and financially accessible tool for campus operations.
Still, data analytics are only as good as the actions they inspire. The critical question is always: “What can I do with this information?” For me, data serves as a resource to make better decisions—a way to add facts to the anecdotal stories we often rely on. And let’s not forget: behind every dataset are real people. Quantitative insights must always be balanced with input from end users. Often, qualitative factors don’t emerge immediately, which is why asking more questions is essential. For example: Why is Room 413 in the ABC Building only used at half capacity throughout the week? Maybe the room has too many seats, limiting pedagogical flexibility. Or perhaps it boasts the best technology on campus, making it the preferred space for instructors. Location-based technology holds immense potential—not just for day-to-day operations but also for long-term planning. By enriching these efforts, data can help campuses better integrate and understand how seemingly disparate functions intersect.
I’m inspired by our team’s innovative spirit. No question is unworthy of exploration. Some ideas will stick. Some won’t. And for my Type A self, that gray area is surprisingly quite exciting. I get to lead efforts to evolve our services, which will push my own ways of thinking. I get to talk with and learn from individuals in a variety of roles at campuses across the country. I have found that I am reminding myself - not all solutions are physical.
Do you want to think about what this technology could unlock? What has been your experience if you’re already using it? Let’s connect—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
PS - Not to forget my former colleagues, let’s talk, too, about how we can explore these topics together.
PPS - I’m hiring! If you want to join the fun as we explore and create, let me know.