Paula Talley

Paula Talley is the Director of Postsecondary Value and Field Strategy for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (CEP). She works with college leaders, systems, employers, and national partners to advance strategies that help more students earn credentials of value, transfer successfully, and secure careers that lead to economic mobility. Her work focuses on translating research into action, helping colleges strengthen pathways that lead to better workforce outcomes for students and talent development for communities.

Paula brings more than two decades of experience in community colleges and national higher education organizations. She has dedicated her career to helping institutions redesign systems that expand opportunity for students while strengthening the communities they serve. Her expertise spans workforce alignment, student success, mathematics pathways, dual enrollment, career connected learning, advising, and institutional transformation.

Prior to joining Aspen, Paula served as Executive Director of Holistic Student Supports and Workforce Alignment at Achieving the Dream, where she led national initiatives, coaching, and thought leadership to advance student success and workforce outcomes. She also held leadership roles at the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin and previously served as a mathematics faculty member, division director, and administrator in community colleges.

Paula earned a Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Her doctoral research focused on the leadership and organizational change needed to advance institutional transformation and improve student success.