In our current volatile political environment, it’s critical to understand how public policy intersects with US colleges and universities. Noted higher education policy expert Dominique Baker will provide commentary on the latest higher education news, including state and federal funding of institutions, college affordability, and the mission of US higher education.

Dominique J. Baker is an Associate Professor of Education and Public Policy with a joint appointment in the College of Education & Human Development and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on the way that education policy affects and shapes the access and success of minoritized students in higher education. Dr. Baker has testified before Congress on student loans and her expertise has been highlighted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, among others. In recognition of the impact and promise of her scholarly career, she was the 2023 American Educational Research Association Early Career Award winner and a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation postdoctoral fellow. She earned her PhD from Vanderbilt University and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Virginia.