Maureen Hoyler, a tireless advocate for low-income, first-generation students, and individuals with disabilities, retired as the President of the Council for Opportunity in Education on October 1, 2023. During her tenure, Maureen was the driving force behind numerous groundbreaking initiatives. She launched the Executive Leadership Institute for College Opportunity Professionals, which empowered educational leaders through instruction at prestigious institutions like Princeton, Cornell, and Yale, fostering transformational leadership and public policy expertise. Notably, Maureen pioneered the First-Generation College Celebration, where hundreds of campuses commemorate their first-gen students and faculty on November 8th, the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965. She also forged partnerships with corporate giants like Comcast, advancing STEM careers for underrepresented students.
Maureen’s journey began at Marquette University’s Educational Opportunity Program, working alongside Dr. Arnold Mitchem. In 1981, she relocated to Washington, where she established the Council’s office and played an instrumental role in its remarkable growth over three decades.
A sought-after lecturer on federal law and regulations, Maureen earned numerous awards from TRIO-based associations. She holds a B.A. and a law degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Maureen Hoyler’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to equal educational opportunities for all, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of educational advocacy.