About the Director

Mark A. Palladino serves as Director of Institutional Research & Planning at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a career spanning nearly three decades in higher education and institutional research, he began at Drexel University in 1998, progressing to Interim Director in the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment. There, he contributed to data analysis, survey research, institutional reporting, Banner implementation and studies on topics such as student retention and trends in online education during a period that included Drexel's successful integration and management of the former MCP Hahnemann University schools following their 2002 merger.

Palladino joined Philadelphia University in 2006, where he played a key role in institutional research by establishing a comprehensive retention and persistence agenda. This effort resulted in roughly 10 percentage point gains in both first-year retention (rising to 85.5%) and 6-year graduation rates (reaching the low-70% range) during his tenure. He served as chair of a Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Self-Study Sub-Committee in 2016, helping guide the comprehensive institutional self-assessment process that supported the university's successful reaccreditation evaluation visit. He continued through the historic 2017 merger with Thomas Jefferson University, helping navigate the complex integration of data systems, including a critical systems migration from Colleague to Banner, reporting structures, and accreditation processes—contributing to the seamless transition that formed the expanded Thomas Jefferson University, a national doctoral research institution with enhanced transdisciplinary programs.

Palladino's longstanding commitment to the profession is exemplified by his extensive service to the North East Association for Institutional Research (NEAIR). A member since 1998, he has held numerous leadership roles, including:

• President (2015–2017, including a co-presidency to ensure organizational continuity during a leadership transition)
• Steering Committee Member-at-Large (2007–2010)
• Chair of the Technology Committee (2008–2010)
• Program Chair (2012 Conference)
• Pre-conference Workshop Coordinator (2011 Conference)
• Multiple terms on the Professional Development Services Committee (2006, 2011, 2015)
• Terms on Site Selection and Local Arrangements Committees
• 2022 Recipient of NEAIR Distinguished Service Award – one of 20 in the 52 year history of the association

He has also contributed as a frequent presenter and panelist at NEAIR conferences, sharing expertise on topics such as web-based survey methodologies, data analysis tools like SPSS, and trends in online education. Beyond NEAIR, Palladino founded the Greater Philadelphia Association for Institutional Research (GPHLAIR) in 2006 and served on the Association for Institutional Research (AIR)/U.S. News Advisory Committee (2010–2012). Colleagues say he is known for his inclusive leadership style, infectious energy, and visionary approach to problem-solving—often embodied in the term "NEAIRiness" that he helped popularize—Palladino has been a driving force in advancing the association's strategic goals. As President, he personally championed and established the NEAIR Endowment in 2016, envisioning it as a sustainable resource that would grow significantly to support ongoing operations and member initiatives. Starting with an initial investment of $130,000 with a professional fiduciary, the endowment has nearly tripled over time through strong average net returns, reaching approximately $375,000 by late 2024 despite periodic draws. It now enables annual withdrawals for priorities such as conference accessibility improvements and endowed scholarships, ensuring long-term financial resilience and expanded member benefits.

He also spearheaded other forward-thinking initiatives, including securing directors and officers insurance with fiduciary liability coverage, migrating to a cost-effective website platform, establishing a line of credit to improve hotel negotiations and reduce liabilities, renewing administrative contracts for efficiency, achieving record conference sponsorship revenues, and creating the research committee. Additionally, he demonstrated flexibility and innovative problem-solving by being the first to successfully execute a hybrid summer Professional Development Series and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing virtual happy hours and gatherings that kept the NEAIR community connected and engaged, evolving into a lasting tradition. Since Mark Palladino joined the association in 1998, the association has served an estimated 6,000 unique members, many of whom have been directly or indirectly impacted by his legacy of service. Mark’s colleagues consistently praise his relentless energy, ability to build community, mentor others, and lead with enthusiasm and inclusivity.

His contributions reflect a deep dedication to advancing institutional research, mentoring colleagues, fostering inclusive professional growth, and strengthening organizational vitality in higher education.