Jim Fillpot, M.A.

Jim Fillpot is a seasoned professional who has dedicated over 35 years to institutional research in the California Community Colleges system. Jim is well known for being highly analytical and detail oriented, with advanced skills in database management and data analysis. His extensive knowledge of research methodologies, survey design, big data curation, and data visualization have reinforced him as a trailblazing IRPE leader who has continuously advanced the mission of The RP Group in his various roles.

Jim began his higher education studies as a California community college student himself, earning an Associate of Arts in psychology from Chaffey College. He then received both his Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology and his Master of Arts in industrial/organizational psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. He served as a research assistant and analyst at Cerritos College for more than a decade before returning in 1999 to his roots at Chaffey College, where he began as Director of Institutional Research and worked his way up to his current role of Dean, Institutional Research, Policy, and Grants; a position he has held since 2011.

Jim has made significant contributions to IRPE leadership, equity, research, planning, and policy, at Chaffey College and more broadly in the state. He has played a critical role in executing accreditation, developing benchmarks that align with statewide initiatives, and fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making. He has a unique ability to compile, synthesize, and communicate complex data in a user-friendly manner. This skill is invaluable in ensuring that faculty, staff, and administrators have access to the information they need to quickly identify and address student needs.

In addition, under Jim's leadership, Chaffey College's Grants Development and Management Office has acquired close to $200 million in competitive grant funding, contracts, and fee-for-service awards aimed at improving learning, student achievement, and equity.

Jim's contributions to the IRPE field have been recognized by The RP Group through several awards including Excellence in College Research (awarded in 2008 and 2015), Excellence in College Planning (awarded in 2008 and 2013), Achievement in Planning (awarded in 2007), and Excellence in Technical Application (awarded in 2005). He has contributed to several research publications and has served as an organizer at various state, local, and regional research consortiums.

In addition to his awards and publications, Jim has presented with colleagues on a wide array of topics including statistical validation of prerequisites and corequisites; incorporation of Completion by Design; transformation of student completion through hope; an integrated model measuring the impact of course, program, and institutional learning outcomes; and debunking of the two-year myth of community colleges. He also served as an RP Group Board member from 2004 to 2008.

In addition to his professional expertise, Jim is also known as a humble and dedicated mentor. Jim's knowledge, skills, and generous spirit are well known amongst his colleagues and peers. IRPE professionals often seek him out for guidance and mentorship, which he freely gives. He has mentored dozens of new researchers and significantly contributed to their professional success. Many current directors and deans of institutional research began their careers under Jim's leadership.

Jim Fillpot's long and distinguished career has spanned more than three decades and has significantly advanced the field of institutional research. He has spent his career working to better the lives of students and his peers, and his dedication to their success is evident in everything he does. He is a role model for others in the field, and his contributions to the California Community Colleges system are invaluable. We are pleased to celebrate Jim's leadership with the 2023 RP Group Lifetime Achievement Award.