Case Study: Michigan State University achieves unified, high-quality donor data and faster integrations with NGDATA

Improving Data Quality at Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s Office of University Advancement faced fragmented alumni and donor data across 47 source systems—from on‑premises mainframes to LexisNexis and social media—relying on a 20‑person team to manually unify data. Data was often a week old, new system onboarding took months, and gift officers lacked a timely single source of truth. To address this, MSU engaged NGDATA (working with an Informatica partner) to implement a self‑service hub architecture and Informatica solutions using a publish/subscribe model.

NGDATA implemented a centralized data hub that decoupled sources and destinations, enabling faster integrations, reduced manual review, and in‑house self‑service. As a result MSU established a single version of the truth across 47 systems, reduced consulting and external data costs, built internal talent, increased staff agility, and now measures data quality with KPI scorecards—outcomes that directly support gift and engagement officers pursuing a $1.5 billion fundraising goal.

Michigan State University

Monique Dozier

Assistant Vice President of Advancement Information Systems and Donor Strategy