Michelle Asha Cooper

Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D., is vice president for public policy and executive director of the Washington, D.C. office for Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. A nationally recognized leader and advocate for college access, affordability, and value in higher education, Cooper has more than two decades of experience spanning policy, advocacy, institutional leadership, and philanthropy. Before joining Lumina, Cooper served as deputy undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Education, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing higher education’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She managed $76 billion in emergency aid for students and institutions and championed initiatives aimed at driving economic mobility. Before her federal service, she spent more than 12 years as president and CEO of the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), leading research and advocacy efforts to improve educational outcomes among all students. She also served in leadership roles with the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, the American Association of Colleges & Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, and King’s College. Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree from Cornell University, and a doctorate from the University of Maryland at College Park.