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Council for Opportunity in Education Appoints Aaron Brown as Executive Vice President

July 17, 2023 — by Terrance L. Hamm

*As a TRIO alumnus, Dr. Brown brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented students and a solid commitment to empowering them to achieve their educational goals.*

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), the leading non-profit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, announced today the appointment of Aaron Brown, Ph.D., as its new executive vice president. Dr. Brown, an accomplished higher education professional and a passionate advocate for student equity, will assume his new role on August 14, 2023.

Commenting on the appointment, incumbent COE Executive Vice President Kimberly Jones, who will serve as COE’s next and third president effective October 1, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Aaron Brown to our organization. His outstanding track record in higher education and his journey as a TRIO alumnus aligns perfectly with our mission to increase access to higher education for underserved students. Dr. Brown’s leadership will drive our efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.”

Dr. Aaron Brown’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to educational equity make him an ideal choice for the role of executive vice president. I do not doubt that his visionary leadership will enable the Council to continue its vital work transforming lives and empowering students from underserved communities.
Maureen Hoyler

In his previous position as the assistant vice provost for academic advising at the University of Texas at Arlington, Dr. Brown demonstrated exceptional leadership and provided invaluable support to the University Advising Center and advising initiatives throughout the institution. As a former low-income and first-generation college student, Dr. Brown brings a deep understanding of the challenges underrepresented students face and a solid commitment to empowering them to achieve their educational goals.

Dr. Brown’s extensive experience in higher education spans more than two decades, during which he served in various roles, including associate dean for student development and achievement, first-year experience instructor, director of the Academic Success Center and TRIO Student Support Services, and chair of retention and completion committees. His exceptional leadership qualities were recognized by his peers, leading to his election as a faculty senate member and founding board member of the Washington State TRIO Association.

One of Dr. Brown’s notable accomplishments was his instrumental role in developing the Major Pathways Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Through his visionary efforts, the program has significantly enhanced the academic support provided to students, ensuring their success and persistence in higher education. Additionally, Dr. Brown’s commitment to supporting veterans led him to endow a scholarship for Veterans at Eastern Washington University.

COE President Maureen Hoyler expressed her confidence in Dr. Brown’s abilities, stating, “Dr. Aaron Brown’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to educational equity make him an ideal choice for the role of executive vice president. I do not doubt that his visionary leadership will enable the Council to continue its vital work transforming lives and empowering students from underserved communities.”

Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Antioch University Seattle. He completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Eastern Washington University, where he participated in TRIO Student Support Services. Throughout his career, Dr. Brown has secured over $10 million in federal and local grants to support academic initiatives at three different institutions.

“The Council for Opportunity in Education is confident that Dr. Aaron Brown’s expertise, passion, and dedication will contribute significantly to advancing its mission of promoting educational opportunity and social mobility for all students,” Hoyler said.

For more information about the Council for Opportunity in Education, visit coenet.org.

Media Inquiries

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

Council for Opportunity in Education Appoints Aaron Brown as Executive Vice President

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