Equity Chat 2.0 with Michael Itzkowitz: Return on Investment in Higher Education
December 17, 2025
In this episode of Equity Chat 2.0, Dr. Keith Curry sits down with Michael Itzkowitz, a nationally recognized higher education policy expert with more than 15 years of experience inside and outside the federal government. Michael reflects on his journey from growing up in a family of educators to serving in senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama administration, including his work as Director of the College Scorecard, the largest release of higher education data ever produced by the federal government.
Michael shares how his early life experiences shaped his commitment to education, grit, and public service, and how mistakes, persistence, and learning along the way prepared him for leadership. He offers an inside look at navigating policy work in a highly political environment while remaining focused on what is best for students, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan approaches and data transparency.
The conversation also explores Michael’s work after leaving the Department of Education, including the founding of the HEA Group and his focus on return on investment and economic mobility in higher education. Michael explains how data can help institutions better understand student outcomes, support programs more effectively, and ensure that higher education delivers real value for students and families. This episode offers thoughtful insights on leadership, accountability, and the future of higher education through the lens of data, equity, and opportunity.
