Natasha Jankowski

Natasha Jankowski, PhD serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Advancing Student Learning at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she leads institution-wide efforts to strengthen teaching, deepen learning, and advance student success. Her commitment to educational transformation is grounded in a belief that institutions thrive when they prioritize authentic learning, remove barriers, and design systems that allow all students to succeed.

Prior to UWM, Natasha was the Executive Director of the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), working as a nationally recognized expert in learning assessment, organizational change, and the design of student-centered educational systems. Under her leadership, NILOA was the proud recipient of the ACPA Contribution to Higher Education award. She has held various faculty positions including serving as graduate program coordinator and research associate professor with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A frequent author, speaker, and consultant, Jankowski has contributed extensively to national conversations on assessment, quality assurance, and the future of higher education.

At UWM, Natasha oversees efforts to enhance instructional quality, foster innovative pedagogical approaches, and support faculty and staff in creating transformative, inclusive learning environments. Her work emphasizes building learning environments that honor student voice, streamline faculty practice, and make learning visible across the educational ecosystem. She collaborates closely with campus partners and regional stakeholders to elevate student learning through research-informed practices and community-engaged innovation.

Natasha has a PhD in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois, an MEd in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University and a BA in philosophy.