Daniel J. Hurley

Director, State Relations and Policy Analysis

Daniel Hurley has served as the Director of State Relations and Policy Analysis for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities since March 2007. The association, located in Washington, D.C., consists of some 430 public college and university presidents, chancellors and system heads from throughout the United States . In his capacity, he conducts research and provides analysis and commentary on a broad range of public policy issues affecting higher education at the campus, state and national level. His expertise includes issues related to college readiness, affordability, higher education finance, as well as economic issues associated with public postsecondary education. He also takes a lead role in coordinating the annual conference on Higher Education Government Relations, sponsored by four national higher education associations. In addition to the association's membership, he serves as a resource for several other groups associated with higher education and state policy, as well as the media.

Prior to joining AASCU, Hurley served as the Director of University Relations and Administrative Services for the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, based in Lansing, from 2003 until March of 2007. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the administrative assistant to the president at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. While at Ferris State, he also served as the co-director of the university's Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development.

Hurley has received a Ph.D. in public administration from Western Michigan University, a master's degree in career and technical education from Ferris State University, and a bachelor's degree in public relations from Grand Valley State University. He has served as an adjunct professor for all three of his alma maters, teaching in the fields of communications, educational leadership, and public policy. He is married to Jana Hurley, a student affairs and business affairs administrator at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. They have one son, Jameson, age 3.

Latest Publication
Whitepaper: Considerations for State Colleges and Universities in a Post-Recession America
November 2009