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The Council for Opportunity in Education Names Peter Mills Vice President of Public Policy

July 15, 2026 — by Terrance L. Hamm

Former U.S. Senate education policy leader and longtime advocate for educational opportunity joins COE at a pivotal moment for the Federal TRIO Programs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) today announced that Peter Mills has joined the organization as its new vice president of public policy. Mills brings more than a decade of experience shaping federal education policy, advocating for students, and securing bipartisan legislative victories that expand educational opportunity.

As vice president of public policy, Mills will lead COE’s federal advocacy agenda, oversee congressional relations, and work alongside TRIO professionals, institutional leaders, and policymakers to strengthen and protect the Federal TRIO Programs and expand college access and success for low-income students, first-generation students, students with disabilities, veterans, and other historically underserved populations.

Mills most recently served as legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), where he led the Senator’s education portfolio and played a key role in advancing landmark federal education legislation and appropriations. During his tenure, he helped negotiate more than $2.5 billion for school safety initiatives through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, secured over $1.2 billion for summer enrichment programs and $3 billion for IDEA through the American Rescue Plan, and developed legislative strategies on higher education accountability, K-12 school climate and safety, college athletics reform, and expanding educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Prior to his service in the Senate, Mills taught mathematics in rural Arkansas as a Teach for America Corps Member, directed GEAR UP initiatives, and served as a policy advisor for the Louisiana Department of Education.

“Peter joins COE at one of the most consequential moments in our organization’s history,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education. “As the Federal TRIO Programs face unprecedented policy challenges, we need a leader who understands both the legislative process and the lives of the students our programs serve. Peter has spent his career translating bold ideas into meaningful policy victories while building trusted relationships across Capitol Hill and the education community. His strategic leadership, deep policy expertise, and unwavering commitment to educational opportunity make him exceptionally well-suited to lead COE’s advocacy efforts during this critical time.”

Mills said he was drawn to COE because of its mission and the opportunity to stand alongside the thousands of TRIO professionals who change lives every day.

“Throughout my career as a teacher, a GEAR UP coordinator, a state education official, and a Senate policy advisor, I have seen firsthand how opportunity changes lives and why we must fight to expand opportunity for all students,” said Mills. “The Federal TRIO Programs represent one of our nation’s most effective investments in expanding educational opportunity and strengthening America’s workforce. I am honored to join COE and its remarkable legacy, and I look forward to working with our members, alumni, bipartisan champions in Congress, and partners across the country to protect and strengthen these life-changing programs for generations to come.”

Mills succeeds Diane Shust, who is retiring after an extraordinary career advocating for educational opportunity and leading COE’s public policy efforts.

“For decades, Diane has been one of the nation’s most respected and effective advocates for students,” Jones said. “Her leadership has shaped federal higher education policy and strengthened bipartisan support for TRIO. We are profoundly grateful for her extraordinary service and lasting legacy.”

Reflecting on the transition, Shust expressed confidence in the future of COE’s advocacy work.

“It has been the deepest honor and privilege to advocate for the students, professionals, and institutions that make up the TRIO community,” said Shust. “The work ahead remains vitally important, and I cannot think of a better person to help lead that effort than Peter. He combines deep policy expertise with an authentic understanding of the power of higher education. I know he will serve COE’s members with integrity, determination, and vision.”

To learn more about the Federal TRIO Programs, visit coenet.org.

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Terrance L. Hamm, vice president for communications and marketing at COE via email at [email protected] or call (202) 347-7430.

The Council for Opportunity in Education Names Peter Mills Vice President of Public Policy

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