Marcus Lewis currently serves as director of institutional research at Nash Community College, where he leads college-wide efforts to harness data in support of student success, strategic planning, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness. His work ensures that data is not only collected and reported accurately but also used meaningfully to inform decisions and drive positive change across campus.
With over 17 years of experience in the North Carolina Community College System, Marcus has built deep expertise in institutional research, outcomes assessment, and student success metrics. He has held multiple leadership roles at Halifax Community College, where he directed institutional effectiveness and served as a QEP leader, IPEDS keyholder, accreditation liaison, and Achieving the Dream Data team lead. He holds master’s degrees in education administration and curriculum and instruction, as well as a bachelor’s in business administration.
Marcus has presented at national and regional conferences, including those of Achieving the Dream, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). He has also been recognized with multiple awards for leadership, innovation, and service throughout his career.
He believes deeply in the power of data to tell stories, shape strategy, and support student outcome opportunities and achievement — because behind every data point are individual lives.
Education:
M.A.Ed. (Administration and Supervision) | University of Phoenix
M.A.Ed. (Curriculum and Instruction) | University of Phoenix
B.S. (Business Administration) | Elizabeth City State University
Past Experience:
Director of Institutional Research| Nash Community College
Director of Institutional Research, Effectiveness and QEP| Halifax Community College
Director of Institutional Research and QEP | Halifax Community College
QEP Director/Research Associate | Halifax Community College
Lead Student Development Advisor | Halifax Community College
How has education changed your life/your family?
When I was applying for undergraduate admission, I knew three things, having observed those in my family circle: 1) I didn’t want to have to work physically hard in a career, 2) I wanted to be able to dress decently for work, and 3) I wanted to make a decent living. These goals led me to major in business administration. Education became the pathway to achieving those goals — and so much more. It opened doors, changed the trajectory of my life, and allowed me to break generational cycles. It gave me purpose, stability, and the opportunity to create a better future.