ASU System Executive Appointed Negotiator on Key U.S. Department of Education Committee
12/03/2025
LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Department of Education has selected Arkansas State University System Vice President for Strategic Research Eric Atchison to serve as a primary negotiator on the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee.
The AHEAD Committee members will advise the department on several key areas created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21) related to financial aid and specifically the new Workforce Pell Grant program.
ASU System Vice President for Strategic Research Eric Atchison
“The new rules emerging from the work of this committee and the U.S. Department of Education will have a substantial impact on our ASU System institutions and all of higher education,” said ASU System President Dr. Brendan Kelly. “It’s an honor for us to have an ASU System team member serving on the committee, and I know Eric will make meaningful contributions to its work and recommendations for the benefit of students.”
The committee will address:
- Changes in institutional and programmatic accountability measures, including loss of Direct Loan eligibility for certain programs with low earnings outcomes for 2 out of 3 years, and Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment;
- Establishment of program eligibility requirements for a new Workforce Pell Grant for students enrolled in programs that last 8-15 weeks, are transferable to a recognized postsecondary credential or degree, are approved by the state governor, and have strong outcomes; and
- Exclusion of Pell Grant assistance for students who receive grant or scholarship aid covering their entire cost of attendance or for students with a Student Aid Index in excess of twice the maximum Pell Grant award.
Atchison will represent the interests of current students receiving assistance from the Title IV programs under the Higher Education Act, as amended, ensuring their needs and perspectives are central to the rulemaking process. His previous national service includes participating in stakeholder engagement sessions related to the redesign of the Institute for Education Sciences and representing state higher education agencies and public four-year institutions during two terms on the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative.
"I’m honored to contribute to this important work on behalf of students across Arkansas and the nation,” Atchison said. “The ASU System includes both two-year and four-year institutions, and I see every day how thoughtful federal policy can expand opportunity, strengthen career pathways and support learners at every stage of their journey. My goal is to help ensure that the regulations reflect the realities students face and provide institutions with clear, responsible guidance to help them succeed."
The AHEAD committee will convene over two weeks to negotiate proposed regulatory language before the Department of Education finalizes new rules. Each member’s expertise will help shape policies designed to expand access to high-quality postsecondary education and strengthen the nation’s workforce pipeline.
