Michelle Asha Cooper

Michelle Asha Cooper leads the development and implementation of state and federal policy initiatives for Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. She works to advance the foundation’s support for today’s students at community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. Cooper brings a wealth of experience, a deep devotion to students, and an acute understanding of policymaking at all levels.

Cooper previously served as deputy undersecretary, acting assistant secretary for postsecondary education, and deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs at the U.S. Department of Education. She also served as the president and chief executive officer of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, and she has held leadership positions at the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (U.S. Department of Education), the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Council for Independent Colleges, and King’s College.

Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston (SC), a master’s from Cornell University (NY), and her doctorate from the University of Maryland, College Park.