Jason Makabali

In his first 10 years in the field, Jason Makabali has become a leading voice in noncredit institutional research. He is a Senior Research and Planning Analyst at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE), where he specializes in management information systems (MIS) and data processes in the noncredit context. He provides technical support, data validation, and training that help faculty, staff, and administrators better understand and apply noncredit system reporting. Jason is known for translating complex coding and accountability requirements into practical, user-friendly guidance that strengthens institutional effectiveness.

Jason’s technical talent, innovation, and deep understanding of nontraditional students and data systems make him an exceptional researcher and an invaluable asset to NOCE and the broader California Community Colleges community. At NOCE, he has developed dashboards, visualizations, and automated reporting tools that provide easy access to meaningful data. He has been instrumental in developing reporting solutions for enrollment tracking, retention analysis, student surveys, professional development planning, and key program evaluations. His work has helped district leadership make data-driven decisions and has made complex processes more efficient across the institution.

Jason has presented his research and expertise at national and statewide conferences, including the American Educational Research Association, the California Association for Institutional Research, and The RP Group. Since 2020, Jason has served on the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Statewide Data Warehouse Advisory Group, where he contributes to shaping the design and functionality of systemwide data reporting. His work ensures that noncredit education is accurately represented in state accountability systems and visible in broader conversations on student success.

Jason’s journey began as a noncredit student at NOCE after receiving his Bachelor of Science in biology from UC Irvine, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. After completing his studies, he transitioned to become a contract research employee at NOCE, in the first dedicated noncredit research office in the California Community Colleges system. His lived experience as a nontraditional learner informs his passion for ensuring that noncredit students and programs are accurately represented through high-quality data.