APLU Statement on Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper’s Appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities President Peter McPherson today released the following statement after President Biden appointed Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education (serving as Acting Assistant Secretary) at the U.S. Department of Education.

“APLU congratulates Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper on her appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education (serving as Acting Assistant Secretary) at the U.S. Department of Education. APLU has been fortunate to work closely with Dr. Cooper as she led the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) where we’ve seen firsthand just how deep her commitment is to making the dream of a higher education a reality for students from all different backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on those who are underserved.

“Dr. Cooper has been a leading voice for improved and better data in higher education to help students and their families make more informed decisions about college and to support policymakers and institutions as they seek to strengthen higher education across the country. She is well prepared to excel at the Department of Education where she will be a champion of evidence-based policymaking and powerful voice and advocate for students and public higher education. We look forward to working with her in this new role.”