Drawing on data and analysis from researchers and practitioners, CHEPP is on a mission to show how centering the needs of today’s learners can help higher education realize its full potential as a pathway to opportunity for everyone.
Working adults, caregivers, veterans – these learners don’t fit the traditional college student profile, but they are the new face of higher education. It’s time to build systems that support and empower them.
CHEPP collaborates with policymakers to develop scalable, sustainable policy solutions from a learner-centered perspective. We also partner with colleges, universities, and research centers to advocate for higher education policy that is both attentive to their needs and mindful of institutional realities.
At CHEPP, we engage in policy, research, and advocacy guided by these principles:
Post-secondary education unlocks social and economic mobility.
A learner’s lived experience is an asset to their education and institution, not a barrier to success.
Learning and progress should be measured by a demonstration of knowledge and skills, not time spent in a classroom.
Learner-centered design should shape all post-secondary education policy and practice change.
As a public good, post-secondary institutions bear responsibility to relentlessly focus on student success and equitable outcomes.
Traditional students aren’t traditional students anymore. A growing number of students need specific supports. They are working parents, veterans, changing careers, don’t have a high school diploma, and more. SNHU and CHEPP aim to meet today’s learners where they are and get them the support they need to be successful.
Our Team
We are a team of experienced practitioners and policymakers committed to improving access and success in higher education for today’s students.
Jamie Fasteau
Executive Director
Jamie is the Vice President for Policy and Advocacy and the Executive Director of the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). In that role, she leads policy development and engagement efforts on an equity-focused and practitioner-informed agenda. Previously, she served in numerous leadership positions in education and civil rights policy, including in Congress and philanthropy. Jamie served as Director of Policy, Education at Emerson Collective where she focused on policy development and advocacy for Emerson’s education priorities. Prior to joining Emerson Collective, Jamie served as Director of Education Policy for Congressman George Miller, Senior Democrat, on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, where she oversaw the Committee’s full education agenda. She also served as Legislative Assistant for Senator Patty Murray on education, issues affecting children and families, and civil rights. Jamie is on the Board of SchoolHouse Connection, which seeks to overcome homelessness through education.
Connect with Jamie Fasteau
@jamiefasteauMeaghan Rajkumar
Director, Research & Strategy
Meaghan is the Executive Director of Strategic Insights and Director of Research and Strategy for the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). She leads research, data analysis, and strategy-informed policy initiatives that advance equity and learner-centered design in higher education. Previously, she served in numerous leadership positions at SNHU in strategic initiatives, operations, and research and advising. Prior to SNHU, Meaghan worked with higher education leaders nationwide as a consultant at Eduventures and later at her own firm, Charette Consulting. She has also worked at Boston University’s Creative Educational Leadership Institute and has served on numerous thought leadership panels and advisory groups to advance equity in higher education. Meaghan is on the advisory board of CareAcademy, a start-up company in healthcare education.
Connect with Meaghan Rajkumar
@meaghanrajkumarBrittany Matthews
Director, Policy & Advocacy
Brittany is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). In that role, she works across higher education stakeholders to develop and advocate for policies to improve how higher education systems meet the needs of today’s learners. Previously she worked at both the state and federal level to support and move forward policies to improve access to high quality educational opportunities for all learners, at every education level and in the workforce. Brittany served as Senator Maggie Hassan’s Senior Policy Advisor for Education and Workforce issues, managing the Senator’s education, labor, workforce, and disability policy priorities. Before that, Brittany was Deputy Policy Director for New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan, where she oversaw the Governor’s education policy agenda. She also served as Governor Hassan's Director of Administration and Special Assistant to Citizen Services.
Connect with Brittany Matthews
@britweaverOur Partners
From policymakers to researchers, CHEPP is actively seeking partners. Get in touch to learn more and work together.
