Executive Ed.D. Cohort Explores National Higher Education Policy in Washington, D.C.

This summer, the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education’s eighth cohort of the Executive Doctorate (Ed.D.) program embarked on a week-long study away experience in Washington, D.C., focused on exploring higher education policy at the national level. The immersive trip offered students the opportunity to engage with leaders and experts who are shaping the future of post-secondary education.

Over the course of their visit, the cohort heard from 30 speakers representing 13 different policy organizations, foundations, government agencies, think tanks, and universities. Collectively, these meetings generated valuable insights into the evolving landscape of higher education policy, advocacy, and leadership.  

Day 1: Policy Foundations and National Perspectives

The trip began at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), where students met with Tom Harnish, Carrie Klein, Jessica Duren, and McBee M.Ed. alum Brenna Mathews. The group explored SHEEO’s role in shaping state-level policy and its broader impact on national education systems. 

Later, at the American Council on Education (ACE), students engaged with Lindsey Tepe, Steven Bloom, and Harper Davis on current policy trends, followed by a session with Kyle Whitman on updates to the Carnegie classification system. 

Day 2: Legacy and Leadership at Howard University 

On day two, the group met with many leaders and scholars at Howard University, an HBCU with a rich history and legacy. Dr. Sosonya Jones led a visit that included a tour of the historic campus, a welcome from Dr. Dawn Williams, Dean of the School of Education, an overview of the Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, & Policy by the Center Director and Associate Provost, Dr. Melanie Carter, and informative and inspiring discussion with several other Howard University faculty members. This engaging visit to Howard University highlighted the historical and contemporary significance of HBCUs.

The day concluded with the McBee in D.C. reception at Rosemarino D’Italia in Dupont Circle, bringing together students, alumni, and D.C.-based partners for an evening of connection and reflection.

Day 3: Advocacy, Federal Engagement, and the Value of Higher Education 

At UGA’s Delta Hall, students met with the UGA Office of Federal Relations Director Cory Gattie, Assistant Director Devon Gill, and undergraduate interns to learn how their office represents the university’s mission and interests in Washington. The afternoon featured two dynamic panels that continued the McBee Institute’s emphasis on promoting the value of higher education:

    •    McBee Fellow and 2018 McBee Lecturer, Michelle Asha Cooper from the Lumina Foundation and Jamey Rorison from the Gates Foundation discussed the aims of their respective foundations and the important role of research in promoting the value of higher education.

    •    McBee Fellow Ken Redd of NACUBO and Rory O'Sullivan of Arnold Ventures shared insights on the changing landscape of higher education and how their organizations are committed to making an impact.  

The day ended with a visit to Senator Raphael Warnock’s office, where students met with Legislative Assistant Annette Christie and Legislative Director Josh Delaney to learn about the work of the Senator’s Office — and even caught a brief moment with Senator Warnock himself. 

Day 4:  Strategic Partnerships and Impactful Research

The day began at Alvarez & Marsal, where Ingrid Gardiner and Chris Geary discussed how their firm partners with colleges and universities on a range of strategic priorities. This visit provided students with important insights on the impact that consulting agencies can have on universities’ financial and academic viability. 


At Third Way, Michelle Dimino and McBee alum Ben Cecil, Ph.D., 2022, highlighted Third Way’s advocacy work to promote college completion and higher education value through public opinion research and building relationships with congressional staff members.  

Day 5:  Closing Reflections 

The trip concluded with a session featuring McBee alums Alex Cassell from the American Council on Education (MEd, 2019) and Charles Sanchez from the U.S. Department of Education (Ph.D. 2022), who offered forward-looking perspectives on the future of higher education.

In July, the cohort reconvened in Buckhead to reflect on key takeaways from the trip and discuss how their work can support national goals in higher education. The McBee Institute extends its gratitude to all speakers, hosts, and alumni who made this experience so impactful for our students.