With the tough economy, Merisotis says, “There’s a huge potential to advance the productivity of the system. This is not about doing more with less.” 

Lumina’s overarching vision and a decision to expand its governance beyond its founding group of student loan executives have helped it attract the attention in recent years of a larger influence constituency beyond its Indiana roots.

Among its 14 board members, seven of whom are from Indiana, are board chair Marie V. McDemmond, president emeritus of historically Black Norfolk State University.

Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Commission on Colleges of the Decatur, Ga.-based Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, joined the foundation’s board a year ago.

“Our nation can only retain its position of power if all of its citizens are prepared to keep it strong,” says Wheelan, a former community college president. “Lumina is dedicated to increasing the number of adults with a credential that will prepare them to make that reality happen. I want to be a part of the group that leads to that goal.” 

With every grant it makes, Lumina is trying to boost the chances for access and success for these students, Merisotis says.

“We’re absolutely convinced ‘the goal’ is attainable. I’m pleased with the way in which the national conversation has gone in the last few years. Increasingly, you can see this goal orientation. The point of the goal is there is enormous economic and social benefit (to the nation). We’ll stick with this goal, no matter what. What will change and should change is the pathway to getting there. So, tactics may change,” he said shortly before announcing Lumina would place more emphasis on state-level reform. “But, ‘the goal’ should not.”