Image: Samaad Wes Keys joins Achieving the Dream as associate director of programs and policy. He will work on community college programs that effect institutional change, advance knowledge, and public engagement. Conceived as an initiative in 2004 by Lumina Foundation and seven founding partner organizations, Achieving the Dream now leads the most comprehensive non-governmental reform movement for student success in higher education history. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Achieving the Dream team,” said Keys. “I’ve spent my professional career in educational programing focusing on preparing underserved and underrepresented students for higher education. I look forward to continuing that tradition of helping to create new and innovative pathways to success for all students." Keys previously worked at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) as a program assistant in the Office for Access and Success where he developed new policy initiatives and provided fundraising support. He also managed third-party grants and programs that enhanced diversity, affordability and student success in higher education. Prior to APLU, Keys served as a program assistant at the Southern Education Foundation where he managed a portfolio of research and programs centered on developmental education, college access, data management and governance, and institutional effectiveness. He is a former high school teacher and case manager in the Dekalb County Georgia public schools. Keys earned a doctorate in higher education from the Institute of Higher Education (UGA); a master of arts in education from Central Michigan University; and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Morehouse College. Press Release at Achieving the Dream Type of News/Audience: Alumni
