SRU partnering with SAS to host March 1 data analytics conference

Slippery Rock University is partnering with SAS, a data analytics software company, to host a one-day conference March 1, at the Smith Student Center.

Jan. 31, 2019

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University is partnering with SAS Institute, a leading developer of analytics software, to host a one-day conference about current trends in the data analytics community. SRU's SAS Analytics Day, hosted by the University's Department of Mathematics and Statistics, is geared toward data analytics professionals. It takes place March 1 in the Smith Student Center Ballroom and Theatre.

"Big data analytics is revolutionizing how organizations identify new opportunities and make smarter decisions," said Dil Singhabahu, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, and director of SRU's master's degree program for data analytics. "During this one-day conference, several leading industry experts will share insights on how their respective organizations are leveraging big data to be more efficient and profitable, and at the same time improve customer satisfaction. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for people to learn from industry practitioners about novel trends and tools in data analytics and the impact it's having on different industries."

More than 10 speakers are scheduled to present, including academics from Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh, and data experts from companies including Amazon, FedEx, PNC Financial Services, Highmark and Walgreens.

Udo Sglavo, senior director of predictive modeling research and development at SAS Institute, will serve as the keynote speaker. Sglavo leads a team that develops software for data mining, machine learning and large-scale automatic forecasting.

SAS is one of the most widely used software programs in the world for performing data analytics and statistical analysis. Graduates of SRU's master's degree program in data analytics, which has been recognized by OnlineMasters.com as the "best for careers in big data," receive a professional certificate from the SAS Institute for Advanced Analytics. SRU is one of only 56 institutions in the U.S. offering the SAS certificate.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu