John Burczek Dreier Named Vice President for Policy and Research
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Burczek Dreier as its vice president for policy and research.
In his new role at MHEC, Burczek Dreier will oversee policy and research in support of the organization’s strategic priorities, as well as lead development of a research agenda and data strategy that is responsive to MHEC’s member states and that informs regional and national conversations.
“John’s state and institutional experience aligns well with our work,” says Susan G. Heegaard, president of MHEC. “He has extensive experience with programmatic and project management and systems leadership, with both private and public institutions. We were impressed by his ability to interpret, articulate, and apply data and research in practical ways that will help our Midwestern states.”
Burczek Dreier (pronounced ‘bur-zak dry-er’) comes to MHEC from the Minnesota Departments of Education and Children, Youth, and Families, where he led research and strategic initiatives to modernize and focus integrated longitudinal data systems across multiple state agencies.
He says he was attracted to the new position because of MHEC’s focus on collective problem-solving across the region. “Collaborative work across MHEC’s member states on consequential issues is truly exciting, and I believe that research and analytics have an important role to play in that work,” he says. “I’m eager to get started on a research and policy agenda that can help advance our region.”
Prior to his position at the Minnesota Departments of Education and Children, Youth and Families, Burczek Dreier served as assistant director of undergraduate analytics at the University of Minnesota, where he gained deep experience leading data science teams and analytics projects focused on system-wide enrollment management, student success, and financial aid policy. He also served in senior research positions at the University of Maryland for several years. He began his career working in admissions at the University of St. Thomas and University of Michigan.
Burczek Dreier earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, his master’s in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. in higher education, student affairs, and international education policy at the University of Maryland. He has written for numerous publications and is a frequent presenter at postsecondary conferences. He will join the MHEC staff October 27.