Consultant
Dr. Hannah Lawler
Dr. Hannah Lawler is the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning at Pasadena City College, where she provides strategic leadership for research, integrated planning, accreditation, grants, and efforts to strengthen a data-informed culture across the College. With more than 20 years of experience in institutional research, planning, and effectiveness, she is committed to helping colleges use evidence and inquiry to advance racial equity, student success, and institutional improvement. Hannah has led numerous RP Group projects focused on racial equity assessment, equity-minded inquiry, and building colleges’ capacity to use data effectively. Prior to joining Pasadena City College, she served as Dean of Institutional Research at Santa Monica College for over 16 years, where she provided leadership for the College’s research and effectiveness functions and supported major initiatives related to racial equity, Guided Pathways, accreditation, and institutional planning. She also co-founded and led one of the pioneering data coaching programs in the California Community Colleges system, helping faculty and practitioners use disaggregated data and inquiry to improve student outcomes.
Her work has included supporting colleges across California in assessing and implementing Student Equity Plans and facilitating equity-focused institutional change. She was selected as a 2020–2021 California Education Policy Fellowship Program Fellow and received The RP Group’s Leadership Award in 2024.
Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.