FAQ: 30 Years Specializing in Alumni Research
So you have finally left Stanford?
Yes, after 22 years as Director of Market Research at Stanford (1994-2016) – first in the Office of Development and then in the Stanford Alumni Association – I finally hung out my shingle to devote full time to conducting research as an independent contractor. I have conducted surveys and research for more than 100 universities and colleges in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and Europe – including Ivy League and other private universities, liberal arts colleges, public universities, and institutions with religious affiliations. Some philanthropies too. A complete client list and some testimonials are here. Call now and join this wise and forward-thinking group!
What kind of research do you do?
I conduct quantitative research (surveys), qualitative research (focus groups), and observational research (usability testing for online resources and services). Most of my studies have been with alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and other key constituencies.
What distinguishes your research from what we can get elsewhere?
In a word, quality – of the research design, the data analysis, and the reporting. Not to mention the context and expertise that come from more than 30 years of specializing in research with alumni and other constituencies in the education arena.
To begin with, every study I do is custom written – nothing is standardized or off-the-shelf. I start by working with you to fully understand what you need to learn so together we can clearly define the objectives of the research. Without clear objectives you can’t get useful results. I then write the research instruments to achieve your objectives and learn what you need to know, which can not be done with standardized surveys that are too generic to be of practical value even if they add a few specific questions for you.
Furthermore, by focusing on measures that are actionable rather than merely descriptive, my research is designed to provide you with data that can inform decisions and strategy. I have conducted research exploring every facet of institutional advancement, including:
- Alumni engagement
- Fundraising messaging and strategy
- Stewardship
- Institutional reputation
- Magazine readership, digital technologies, and other communications issues
- Online services and social media
- Membership
- Parents programs
- Post-event surveys
- Community relations
Here are some action shots of how the work gets done.
Tell me more about what sets your research apart.
Why should I believe you?
Because I am a stable genius. And clients have good things to say about me.
Who the heck are you, and what are your qualifications and background?
Qualifications? Um…I need some of those? Here’s a brief bio.
What about your staff?
Credit where credit is due. These guys do most of the work.
If they do the work, you must have a pretty cushy life.
That was the plan, but here’s a photo of me before I started doing research…and now, after a hard day’s work.
Tell me about your pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
It was very spiritual, almost inebriating. Take a look.
Any free stuff for me on this site?
Is that why you’re here? Check out these papers, tips on how to conduct better research, and other wholesome alumni survey resources. Happy now?
What really happened out in the Gulf Stream and in the Bahamas on those two ill-fated sloops?
Have you ever had an encounter with King Neptune that wasn’t a disaster?
If nothing else, the shaggy-haired gods are fickle. So for some reason (maybe to do with oracular entrails, ritual grovelling, and other sacrifices), they have allowed me a few non-lethal moments on the water.