Education Commission of the States Names New Director to Lead National Effort to Reform Developmental Education Across Higher Education Systems

Victoria Ballerini, who has focused her career on broad access institutions, promoted from interim role to help states implement and scale proven reforms to ensure all first-year college students are positioned for success

DENVER, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Commission of the States (ECS), a national nonpartisan organization that informs, counsels, and convenes education leaders to create effective education policy, has named a new director to lead its "Strong Start to Finish" initiative.

Victoria Ballerini, who previously served in this role on an interim basis, will continue efforts to partner with higher education system leaders to implement and scale proven reforms to developmental education to ensure all first-year college students are positioned for success.

"Today, across the nation, more than a million students begin college in costly remedial coursework, but many never progress to credit-bearing classes and even fewer graduate," said ECS President José Muñoz. "Research shows there are better ways to ensure first-year students who need learning support can achieve a strong start in college and beyond. We're excited about the experience and expertise Victoria brings to Strong Start to Finish as we reimagine how we invest higher education leaders in reform efforts, implement policies to scale, and support all students to realize their potential."

Ballerini has dedicated her career to improving educational and economic opportunities for students who have been historically and systemically excluded from unjust systems. She brings to her role as Director 20 years of experience in higher education policy, practice, and research through various roles in government, postsecondary institutions, and policy research organizations. She earned her PhD in higher and postsecondary education from New York University. She is based in Denver.

"The time to spark momentum in this work has never been more urgent, as students who experienced disruptions in their learning environments during the pandemic are now entering college needing support to learn essential skills for their future careers,"  Ballerini said. "In places like Louisiana, we've seen how changes to coursework in the first year of college can yield impressive gains for all students, and I'm honored to lead the charge in helping other states follow their lead."

Founded in 2018, Strong Start to Finish is a network of policy and research partners, institution and systems leaders and foundations advancing system reforms in developmental education. It works to scale the use of proven, proactive strategies that remove barriers that typically prevent students from earning college credits in math and English. As a result, students have increased opportunities to learn essential skills and be successful in college and the workforce. Strong Start to Finish is supported by ECS.

About Education Commission of the States
Education Commission of the States (ECS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a partner to state policymakers by providing personalized support and opportunities to learn from one another. Through their resources and services, policymakers gain the insight and experience needed to create effective education policy. Learn more at ecs.org.

SOURCE Education Commission of the States