Derrick M. Anderson is a national leader in education policy, public service, and institutional innovation. As senior vice president of Education Futures at the American Council on Education (ACE), Anderson designs and oversees initiatives that engage hundreds of universities, dozens of industry organizations, and millions of learners nationwide. His leadership transforms higher education by challenging traditions and demonstrating that the public, private, and nonprofit sectors all play vital roles in creating public value.

In addition to his role at ACE, Anderson is a distinguished public institution and policy design scholar. He is a tenured professor in Arizona State University’s (ASU) School of Public Affairs, which is consistently ranked among the top public policy schools in the country. Anderson’s additional academic affiliations at ASU include roles with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory; Barrett, The Honors College; the School for the Future of Innovation in Society; and the Center for Organization Research and Design.

His pioneering work—including the development of ASU’s public enterprise model in collaboration with Michael M. Crow, president of ASU—has contributed significantly to university design and expanded the role of higher education in addressing national challenges.

Anderson’s expertise is sought by federal agencies, lawmakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions nationwide. He regularly advises industry leaders and investors. His board service with GED Testing Services—a joint venture between Pearson VUE and ACE—further underscores his commitment to expanding educational pathways for nearly 900,000 individuals each year.

A recipient of support from major foundations and government agencies such as the Gates Foundation; Lilly Endowment, Inc.; the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; the U.S. National Science Foundation; and the U.S. Agency for International Development, Anderson’s work continues to drive impactful change both domestically and internationally.

Anderson earned a PhD in public policy and management from the University of Georgia and holds a master’s of public policy in science and technology policy from Arizona State University. His optimism for the future is matched only by his skepticism of online biographies.