UK Martin School professor named chief economist for US Department of Education
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2024) — Rajeev Darolia, Ph.D., the Wendell H. Ford Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, has been serving as the Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Education since the beginning of this year.
Darolia’s service as Chief Economist for the Department follows his appointment as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Undersecretary last year, and after prior experience serving as an advisor for a rule-making committee tasked with reforming federal regulations related to affordability and student loans.
Regarding his role, Darolia is excited about, “thinking creatively about data, and how can it be used to build knowledge within the department and enhance our ability to answer important questions.
“Most of the topics we work on are incredibly complex and nuanced, and it is important to bring evidence and analysis to help find solutions, evaluate programs, and measure progress,” he added.
Darolia leads a team of nearly 20 researchers and analysts, including professors on leave from their universities, researchers from think tanks, and economists on detail from other government agencies, as well as graduate student interns, who use their skills and expertise to build knowledge, conduct research, inform policy decisions and improve operations.
The Office of the Chief Economist is a relatively new office, established about three years ago to provide the best-possible analysis and advice to guide real-time policy making, conduct rigorous research, build a culture of experimentation, partner with leading social science researchers to pilot-test new ways to serve students and borrowers and serve as a liaison to the research community to build the evidence on how to best strengthen education.
Most of the office’s work is currently focused on topics related to higher education and student financial aid, including student loans, access, accountability, economic mobility and value.
Darolia believes strongly in service and encourages others to apply their expertise and energy towards helping improve conditions in their communities. “UK has been an institution that values great research and teaching, but also supports making an impact outside of campus. We need scientists to get in the game to help us understand the implications of policy choices, and to build knowledge that can help improve welfare.”
“Dr. Darolia is one of the foremost experts in higher education policy and the Martin School is proud that he is using his knowledge and expertise to improve and to implement policies at the U.S. Department of Education,” said Ron Zimmer, director of the Martin School. Currently on leave in order to serve the department, Darolia remains an integral part of the future of the Martin School. “It is not often that faculty members get an opportunity to serve our country in this way. Our students and faculty are excited to hear and learn from his experiences once he rejoins the Martin School!”
About the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration
The Martin School of Public Policy and Administration excels in research, education and public service — providing an innovative environment reflective of commitment, strategic thinking and integrity. Consistently ranked among the top public policy schools in the nation, the Martin School engages in cutting-edge, policy analytic research, preparing students to be future leaders able to bridge the gap between analysis and action.
A powerhouse for change, the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration offers an undergraduate degree in public policy; master’s degrees in public policy, public administration and public financial management; and a doctorate in public policy and administration. Graduates are prepared for a variety of public service careers including those in local, state or federal government and nonprofit agencies, helping to solve problems that matter to people and communities.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.