Employee Spotlight: Tracy Varites

Meet Tracy Varites, the Director of Data and Academic Planning for CHSS!

Tracy joins us from The New School and brings with her a wealth of experience in academic planning and data reporting. In her role, Tracy analyzes and interprets enrollment and curricular data for the College, supporting our academic, student, and operational services.

We are thrilled to have Tracy join our team in CHSS  — you can find her in the CHSS Dean’s office or you can send her an email!

How would you describe your role in Data and Academic Planning? What makes it integral to the success of CHSS?
My role is to help manage academic scheduling and curriculum development for CHSS. I provide data to strategize and effectively plan for the academic year, perform market research to develop new program proposals, and provide reports on things like course enrollment and major/minor numbers. I hope, in my position, to provide CHSS with detailed data insights to strategically contribute to the continued success of CHSS.

What do you enjoy or find most interesting about what you do?
I enjoy using data to help tell a story about a program, to best identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to optimize the planning process in a structured way. I think it’s fascinating how each program within a school can be so unique, with their own intricacies and diverse needs.

You’ve spent your career working in higher education – What’s your favorite thing about working in higher ed?
There is a certain kind of energy and creative atmosphere working in higher education. It is a place where students, faculty, and staff all come together to contribute to a collective environment. I love walking around Montclair State’s beautiful campus – the fall foliage has been really enjoyable to see.

What hobbies or things do you enjoy doing when not in the office?
My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my 8 month old daughter (and my husband)! I love to travel and explore new cultures, people, and food. And bake!