A Fond Farewell

Dear Readers,

I regret to report that this is my final post for Higher Ed Watch. I am leaving the New America Foundation to join the higher education team at Education Sector, where, among other things, I will be writing for The Quick and the Ed blog. While I am thrilled to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, it is difficult to leave Higher Ed Watch behind because of all the important work we have done.

When I arrived at New America nearly five years ago, Higher Ed Watch was just getting off the ground — although it had already started making waves with its hard-hitting coverage of the student loan industry. But the blog really took off in April 2007 when we were the first to uncover and reveal improper payoffs that a student loan company had made to college financial aid directors and to a top U.S. Department of Education official (who was later indicted in this case). The news helped shine a spotlight on the fatal flaws — and outright corruption — that characterized the Federal Family Education Loan program.

Over the years, our reporting, analysis, and commentary has helped spur policymakers to overhaul the federal student loan programs, take positive steps to protect the most vulnerable students from predatory lenders and schools, and investigate widespread abuses in the for-profit higher education sector. We have also advocated policies aimed at making college more accessible and affordable without overly burdening taxpayers.

Before signing off, I would like to thank current and former New America employees who have played a pivotal role over the years in the blog’s success, including its founder Michael Dannenberg, Jason Delisle, MaryEllen McGuire, Ben Miller, and Lindsey Luebchow. I have been honored to work with them all.

But mostly I want to thank you, our loyal readers, for sticking with us all these years. It’s been a privilege to write for you.