Measuring Student Success

What if student success wasn’t just about grades but also about engagement, experiences and the right opportunities? 

At the University of Houston, data plays a key role in understanding what helps students thrive, and Scott Radimer, director of assessment and planning for UH Student Affairs, is at the center of it all. Since 2019, he’s been uncovering trends, identifying challenges and helping UH create meaningful initiatives that support student achievement. 

In this Q&A, Radimer shares his insights on the importance of assessment and planning, surprising takeaways from student feedback, and the exciting initiatives on the horizon for Student Affairs. 

You’ve been at UH since 2019, how has your role evolved since then? 

When I first started at UH, I was a part of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services where I worked with 30 different departments on their assessments and reporting. After Enrollment Services moved to Academic Affairs, I now work with the 23 Student Affairs departments. Since 2019, my position has had an increased focus on data analytics, and looking at how student engagement is related to student success. 

What are some of the most effective assessment and planning projects you've worked on at UH? 

In 2023, I led the Division of Student Affairs creation of its third (and current) strategic plan, which really focuses on increasing student success and supporting the University’s vision of becoming a top 50 public university. Last year was the first year of that new strategic plan, and we’ve already seen great outcomes in being able to measure the impact that engagement has on student success. 

What do you enjoy most about working in assessment and planning? 

I really enjoy being able to help other staff members take a step back and look at the big picture and think very strategically about how we can best help students achieve success. 

What’s one surprising insight you’ve gained from analyzing student data and feedback? 

After the Student Center Satellite dining location closed, there were many student comments on the annual UH Satisfaction Survey about the lack of food options on that part of campus, which I hadn’t thought about before, but makes perfect sense when you think about. I’m very excited to see how students feel about the new RAD Center that opened in that same location in the 2025 Satisfaction Survey. 

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you're particularly excited about? 

The Division of Student Affairs started rolling out our Student Employee Competencies program, where staff members evaluate student employees on seven different professional competencies that employers have identified as important skills to have in any career.

This semester, the program rolls out to every department in the division, and starting next fall, every student employee in the division will be participating in it. I’m very excited to see how our student employees are able to grow and develop as professionals over time. 

What advice would you give to UH faculty and staff about using data to enhance student success? 

The best advice I would give is to measure what’s most important, and then make changes based off of what you learn. Far too often we collect data but then don’t actually use that data to make improvements to whatever we’re studying. 

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I enjoy going for walks around the parks in my neighborhood, reading sci-fi books and playing video games in my free time. 

What are three words you’d use to describe UH? 

Innovative, Energetic and Inspiring. 

Anything else you’d like to share?  

Don’t forget Cougar Red Fridays and wear red even if you’re not on campus!