WASHINGTON – Howard University Professor of Counseling Psychology Ivory Toldson, Ph.D., has been selected for the Commission on the Value of Postsecondary Education, a new panel created by leaders of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to take a closer look at the economic returns of education after high school. Toldson is one of 30 higher education leaders, business representatives and foundation experts who will review the value of undergraduate certificates and degrees regarding where and what students are studying, how much their education costs, and their post-college earnings. 

“With higher levels of scrutiny of college cost, against the backdrop of a rapidly changing occupational landscape, it’s time to provide guidance to higher education leaders and consumers on how postsecondary education can continue to drive our economy,” explains Toldson.

According to the commission, its primary goal is to provide useful information to help colleges and universities take a critical look at their contribution to economic opportunities for the modern student, and to make changes in policy and practice to improve their contributions. As the only panel member representing a Historically Black Colleges or University (HBCU), Toldson’s research and knowledge places him in a unique position to speak on the challenges students of color may face when achieving degrees and realizing their economic benefits.

“College attainment among African Americans has the potential to resolve racial gaps in wealth, however, we must be thoughtful about the connections we make between a college degree and long term financial success,” says Toldson. “On the commission, it is important for me to represent the students who make the greatest sacrifices to finish college, but also might have the most to gain.”

Within the next year, the commission will share its findings after exploring options for gauging the economic outcomes for students earning certificates and degrees. 

“Our goal is to uncomplicate the connection between higher education and economic opportunity,” said Sue Desmond-Hellmann,Gates Foundation CEO and co-chair of the Commission on the Value of Postsecondary Education, during a recent call. “People are talking about jobs in this country, so we want to get everybody involved, from students, families, schools, policy makers, so that people who are making life choices can make choices that are best for them.”

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is supporting the work of the commission, with the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) serving as the managing partner. For more information visit https://www.postsecondaryvalue.org.

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ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ramzey Smith, Office of University Communications, Ramzey.smith@howard.edu