As the NDCS research director, Greg Welch, Ph.D. provides leadership of the research and data functions in the agency.

Dr. Welch brings extensive experience to this role, with a background in research methodology and statistics, as well as 20 years teaching and conducting research in higher education. He has served in multiple research roles in the University of Nebraska system where he collaborated with scholars on research and evaluation projects. He most recently worked with the Nebraska Department of Education and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to integrate data across agencies to better inform early childhood policies and practices. 

Dr. Welch earned a Ph.D. in research methodology from the University of Pittsburgh, with research focused on applying novel models in social science research. He also holds a master’s degree in applied statistics from the University of Wyoming.