Polly Conrad

HSB Faculty University Service Award - 2023

USU Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year - 2022

HSB Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year - 2022

HSB Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year - 2019

HSB Teacher of the Year - 2018

Polly Conrad is a Principal Lecturer in the Data Analytics and Information Systems Department at Utah State University's Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and serves as Executive Director of Student Experience for the Analytics Solutions Center (ASC). She leads initiatives that connect students with experiential learning opportunities, industry partners, alumni mentors, and career development resources to help prepare them for successful careers.

As a member of the DAIS Department Executive Committee, Polly serves as Director of Teaching Excellence, contributing to curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and strategic planning. She has helped develop the undergraduate Data Analytics degree, redesign analytics curriculum, and create new learning opportunities that bridge classroom instruction with real-world application.

Polly is committed to student success, workforce readiness, and expanding access to high-impact learning experiences. She has mentored thousands of students across USU - through the ASC, Huntsman Scholars Program, competitions, and career exploration programs.

Before joining Utah State University, Polly worked as a wildlife scientist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, where she led statewide monitoring programs and applied data analytics to conservation and policy challenges. She holds a Master of Science in Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University.