Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper

As president of the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), one of the nation’s premiere education research and policy centers, Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper has a vision. Since taking the helm of IHEP in 2008, Cooper’s been out front influencing national education policy. The dynamic education leader, who also made Diverse’s “25 To Watch” list in 2009, has Washington insiders tuned into the issues that impact college access, minority students, and success in postsecondary education. Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, a master’s in professional studies from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park.