Michelle Cooper

Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D., is president of the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP). While leading one of the world’s premier research and policy centers, she oversees the organization’s expansive research portfolio and innovative programmatic activities focusing on access and success, accountability, diversity, and finance. Cooper is a member of the board of directors for ACCESS-Boston, the College of Charleston Alumni Board, the National College Access Network, and the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. An expert on various higher education issues, Cooper is well versed in higher education access and success (domestic and international), national higher education trends and policies, and student experience and engagement.  A native of Charleston, S.C., Cooper received her B.A. from the College of Charleston, an M.P.S. from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park.