Michelle Asha Cooper
Vice President for Public Policy and Executive Director of Lumina’s Washington, D.C., Office
Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized leader and advocate for college access, affordability, and value in higher education. With more than two decades of experience spanning policy, advocacy, institutional leadership, and philanthropy, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for learning beyond high school and ensuring that education transforms the lives of all students, particularly those in communities poorly served by higher education.
More about Michelle1 of 3
The gutting of the education department puts students at risk—Now what?
March 14, 2025
I have served at the U.S. Department of Education twice—once as a career civil servant and later as deputy undersecretary and acting assistant secretary. I took immense pride in serving students with dignity and purpose in both roles. I continue to be inspired by the unwavering dedication of the d
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We need more students at elite colleges from low- and middle-income families, not fewer
Jan. 29, 2024
Even with American higher education’s need for reform, our system is the world’s envy. This is partly because of the diversity of institutions students in the United States can benefit from, including prestigious, world-class universities and research centers. For a privileged few, success at an
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We owe student parents a high-value college experience
Sept. 29, 2023
Every Fall, school buses are once again a part of our morning commutes. Less obvious are the parents joining in the back-to-school rite of passage alongside their children.
