John Monte Novak recently was named the director of institutional research at Indiana University South Bend. Prior to joining IU South Bend, Novak was institutional research analyst with Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Mich. At Eastern Michigan, he designed research and report presentations.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University. Following his master’s work, he worked several years at the Indiana University Center Survey Research in academic and public opinion surveys.

The Munster, Ind., native also served as an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Indiana General Assembly.

Novak said his job at IU South Bend is “to provide the best information” for the university’s decision makers.

He said, “This as a great opportunity to start a research office from the ground floor.”