As vice president of policy and research, John Burczek Dreier oversees policy and research in support of the organization’s strategic priorities. He also leads development of a research agenda and data strategy that is responsive to MHEC’s member states and that informs regional and national conversations.

Previous to joining MHEC in October 2025, he led research and strategic initiatives to with the Minnesota Departments of Education and Children, Youth, and Families to modernize and focus integrated longitudinal data systems across multiple state agencies. As assistant director of undergraduate analytics at the University of Minnesota, 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.