2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Expanding a State-wide Data Science Educational Ecosystem to Meet Workforce Development Needs

Presented at DSAI Technical Session 3: Integrating Data Science in Curriculum Design

The University of Arkansas has been developing a State-wide Data Science (DS) Educational Ecosystem over the last five years. A new project, funded by a HIRED grant from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, builds on this existing DS Ecosystem. The program components include: 1) DS Ecosystem Expansion integrating more Arkansas colleges into the Data Science Ecosystem with a focus on consistent, high-quality curricula across the state with a “start anywhere, finish anywhere” model with off-ramps at any point, 2) Stackable Certificates offering modular, flexible training to rapidly upskill the workforce, including non-degree holders, and 3) Workforce Alignment collaboration with industry to ensure curricula and training programs match real-world needs, preparing students for in-demand jobs.

This project aligns with Arkansas’s economic and workforce strategies, fostering partnerships across education, industry and community organizations. With data-driven decision-making increasingly vital for businesses, this effort is preparing a new generation of skilled professionals and supporting career development in this high-growth field.

This paper outlines the methods employed to identify workforce development needs, the specific requirements articulated by industry, the strategies designed to address those needs, and the successes achieved alongside the challenges encountered throughout the process.

Authors

Dr. Karl D. Schubert FIET http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8289-9501 University of Arkansas [biography]

Dr. Karl D. Schubert is a Professor of Practice and Director for the Data Science Program at the University of Arkansas College of Engineering, the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences and led the team that developed the B.S. Data Science degree.

After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Schubert spent 35 years in industry in various roles with IBM, Dell, Silicon Valley, and other start-ups. He returned to his alma mater to give back by helping develop the next generation of STEM workforce. He has patents in various technology areas and is the author and co-author of several books.

Dr. Schubert is a Senior Member of the IEEE, Senior Member of ACM, and Senior Member of IISE. He is also Vice Chair of the Ozark Section of the IEEE Computer Society and is the ASEE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Constituent Delegate to the Commission on P-12 Engineering Education (CP12) and the DSAI Delegate to the Interdivisional Town Hall.
Dr. Carol S Gattis http://orcid.org/0009-0007-6461-7471 University of Arkansas [biography]

Carol S. Gattis is an Associate Dean Emeritus and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas. She has over 34 years of experience in STEM education, workforce development, and student success initiatives. Dr. Gattis has secured and managed over $6.9 million in competitive NSF and ADHE grants, supporting student retention, innovation in STEM education, and workforce-aligned pathways. Her work focuses on increasing diversity, improving STEM career readiness, and strengthening industry collaboration.
Dr. Stephen R. Addison http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1196-6030 University of Central Arkansas [biography]

Dr. Stephen R. Addison is a Professor of Physics and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Addison joined the faculty of the University of Central Arkansas in 1984, and has previously served as Dean and Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science, and Interim Director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education. Dr. Addison was one of the founders of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium. He has been active in research throughout his career and has been active in innovative educational efforts across Arkansas in computer science, data science, mathematics and physics.

Dr. Addison is a Senior Member of the IEEE, a member of the Arkansas Academy of Computing, a member of Sigma Xi, and is a Life Member and Secretary of the Arkansas Academy of Science. Dr. Addison has previously served as the President of three professional organizations: the Arkansas Academy of Science, the Arkansas Deans' Association, and the Arkansas-Oklahoma-Kansas section of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He is also a member of the Acoustical Society of America, and the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Tara Jo Dryer University of Arkansas [biography]

Dr. Tara Dryer, Ed.D., PMP, provides extensive experience in workforce development within higher education. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Arkansas. In this role, Dr. Dryer oversees strategic initiatives focused on workforce development across campus, driving efforts to enhance the region and across the state. With a background in both academia and industry, she bridges the gap between education and real-world application, ensuring programs align with current market needs and skills gaps. She was a 40 under 40 recipient in NWA and directed the federal DOE Reimagine grant which provided training to individuals looking to upskill, reskill or enter the workforce during and post the COVID pandemic.
Adam Musto Arkansas Department of Education [biography]

Adam Musto is the Director of Computer Science Education for the Arkansas Department of Education. His academic background includes an M.S. in Biology and an M.A. in Teaching from the University of Central Arkansas. With 12 years of experience in education, he has taught various science courses at both secondary and post-secondary levels and has held multiple STEM-related positions within the Arkansas Department of Education.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

« View session