
Cecilia Orphan
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About Cecilia
Cecilia M. Orphan, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of higher education at the University of Denver. Cecilia is a leading researcher studying Regional Comprehensive Universities (RCUs) (also called Public Regional Universities). RCUs have been called “democracy’s colleges” and “higher education’s workhorse” given their important role in expanding educational access and serving their regions. Cecilia’s research shows how state and federal public policy affect the essential RCU mission. Cecilia also researches the role of think tanks, philanthropic foundations, and elected officials in setting education public policy. From 2006-2011, Orphan directed the American Democracy Project, a New York Times sponsored national civic engagement initiative of the Washington, D.C.-based American Association of State Colleges and Universities. ADP involves 240 RCUs in institutionalizing opportunities for marginalized students to be civically and politically engaged. She has served as an election poll worker and volunteer for various civic and educational organizations. Cecilia is an at-large member of ASHE’s Council for Public Policy in Higher Education. In 2011, Cecilia was awarded the John Saltmarsh Award for Emerging Leaders in Civic Engagement. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Portland State University, an RCU in Portland, Oregon.
Contributions
How to Advocate for Regional Comprehensive Universities
Why Regional Comprehensive Universities are Vital Parts of U.S. Higher Education
In the News
Publications
Examines how intermediary public policy organizations affect the policy process by engaging in agenda setting.
Draws on how the unique histories of these various sectors of higher education position them for civic engagement work as well as the institutional efforts to engage local communities.
Uncovers how the socialization of senior student affairs officers influences approaches to student civic/political development.
Presents a qualitative case study of four regional comprehensive universities grappling with their public purposes within a state policy and funding context shaped by neoliberal ideology. Carries long-term implications for the future of community-engaged research, the civic education of students, and the public purposes of higher education.