In the constantly evolving world of higher education, leaders who prioritize strategic innovation, institutional values, and evidence-informed decisions truly stand out. One such leader is Jason W. Osborne, who, through his rich career, has made a profound impact on various educational institutions, bringing a blend of academic expertise and person-focused leadership acumen.
Osborne’s journey began with his studies in Psychology at the University of Rochester, followed by a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Buffalo. He started his faculty career teaching Statistics and Research Methods at the University of Oklahoma and North Carolina State. His keen interest in data analysis and statistics led him to positions where he utilized these skills to enhance educational practices.
His first leadership role came at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, where he served as the Department Chair and Professor. Osborne led initiatives to expand the curriculum and to establish community-based counseling centers, which in turn created unique training and research opportunities for students and faculty. His leadership also resulted in the foundation of an interdisciplinary educational research and policy center, signifying his holistic approach to education.
In 2015, Osborne assumed the position of Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at Clemson University. He worked with leaders across the university to improve graduate and professional education. His team pioneered various student success efforts, diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as expanded support for faculty research. His leadership at Clemson showcased his ability to work collaboratively across silos to guide institutions through uncertain times. It also reflected his commitment to inclusivity.
Osborne was then recruited to lead Miami University as Provost and Executive Vice President, where he confronted the challenges that the higher education sector faced due to the pandemic, declining interest in college, societal pressures, and declining state funding for public education. Despite these challenges, Osborne’s strategic leadership led to the implementation of 30 recommendations from the 2019 MiamiRISE strategic plan, driving the university towards greater resilience.
Osborne currently serves as a Professor of Statistics and a Faculty Fellow in the Miami University Institute for Responsible Gaming, Sport, and Lottery. He continues to contribute to higher education, using his broad range of experiences to help institutions navigate an uncertain future. He underscores the importance of thought leadership in higher education, advocating for different ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Apart from his leadership roles, Osborne has also made significant contributions in the field of statistics. His publications in modern research methods and statistics have been cited over 37,000 times. He’s recognized as one of the Top 2% of researchers in the US and globally, demonstrating his expertise in statistics and his significant influence on the field.
Jason W. Osborne’s journey is an inspiring story of leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to higher education. His work serves as an example of servant leader for current and future education leaders navigating the dynamic landscape of higher education. Through his efforts, Osborne has exemplified the potential impact that strategic leadership can bring to higher education institutions.
