Dr. Small is a seasoned expert in higher education administration with a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, where her research focuses on faculty engagement in student learning outcomes assessment. Dr. Small earned a Master of Business Administration degree from St. Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, both of which are in San Antonio, Texas.

With over two decades of experience in institutional research, assessment accreditation, and strategic planning, Dr. Small has significantly contributed to enhancing the academic and administrative functions at the University of South Carolina. Her leadership roles include Director of Institutional Assessment and various key positions in the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Analytics.

A recognized authority in evaluation, data management, and visualization, Dr. Small has developed innovative tools for transforming how assessment data is utilized across the university, including the CORE Assessment Results Dashboard and the Blueprints 2.0 SharePoint site. She has spearheaded major accreditation initiatives and strategic planning efforts, earning commendations for her contributions toward advancing institutional excellence. An active member of several professional organizations and university committees, Dr. Small is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in higher education.