Debra Humphreys
Vice President of Strategic Engagement
Debra Humphreys, Ph.D., directs Lumina Foundation’s efforts related to student success in attaining high-quality four-year college degrees. She also oversees the foundation’s strategic communications team, working to influence national narratives about learning beyond high school.
More about Debra1 of 4
A bachelor’s isn’t obsolete in the AI age–It just needs an upgrade
Feb. 19, 2026
When I graduated from college in 1986, I never once doubted that I would be able to use my degree to pursue professional success. I never wondered if the skills I spent thousands of dollars learning were already obsolete or if they would translate to my first job. I didn't have to ask myself: "If ar
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Nine ways funders can increase diversity in higher ed in a world without affirmative action
July 31, 2023
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s June 29 decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, a group of foundations quickly issued a joint statement condemning the decision, saying, “The Supreme Court’s decision impedes colleges and universities from selecting their own student bo
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We Must End Either-Or Thinking About Skills
April 28, 2021
When it comes to building a better learning system, such a perspective presents a false choice that will intensify rather than diminish economic and social inequity, writes Debra Humphreys.
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Community-based programs, first-year seminars, learning communities: How to assure equity and quality in higher ed
Feb. 9, 2021
New research emerging from a recent project led by the National Association of System Heads provides some useful insights into how, even during the enormous challenges of this pandemic moment, we can assure both equity and quality as we seek to grow the number of people with learning beyond high sch
