Dr. David Troutman

Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs & Data Analytics, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

Dr. Troutman leads strategic initiatives across academic and health affairs, college and career advising, student success, digital learning, and data management and research. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, he has overseen data-driven approaches that inform state and national policies, creating pathways for students and positioning Texas as a leader in education innovation. A pioneer in integrating K-12, postsecondary, and workforce data, Troutman’s leadership has elevated Texas to the forefront of data transparency and accountability. He founded the Postsecondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) Coalition, connecting stakeholders across 32 states with insights that link education to career trajectories. Troutman also developed the credential of value (COV) methodology, which serves as the foundation for Texas’ Community College Finance model, a performance-based funding model that has reshaped how community colleges align academic programs with workforce demands. His collaborations with organizations like the U.S. Census Bureau, IHEP, Strada Education Foundation, Lumina, and the Gates Foundation have advanced educational outcomes and aligned academic goals with workforce demands.