Martin Vanderwerf

Background

About Martin Vanderwerf

Martin Van Der Werf has a lengthy record of accomplishments in higher education - as a writer, editor, researcher, thought leader, and consultant. In his current position, Marty writes and edits data-driven reports about the value of college credentials and the role of colleges in training students for the workforce of the future. He has also led research teams that have produced reports on such topics as the return on investment of going to college, the racial inequity of public universities, and fact that selective universities can afford to enroll more low-income students but choose not to. Marty is passionate about higher education and its future. Marty wants to make sure that America's higher education system remains independent, creative, and diverse, while also becoming more efficient, more accountable, and available to more people who have historically been shut out of it. Previously, Marty was a long-time journalist, including more than six years as a highly respected editor and reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education. He also created a new-business-ventures division within the Chronicle. Previously, he worked for daily newspapers as a reporter, business columnist and editor. Marty also worked at Huron Consulting Group, the largest consulting firm in higher education. He produced podcasts and wrote case studies dissecting the key issues in higher education. Marty also consulted with a number of colleges and universities, both public and private, about marketing and communications plans. His work involved helping colleges define their niche and then market those distinctions. Marty brings the skills of a trained journalist to everything he does: reading complex situations and getting to know key players quickly, cutting through quickly to the most salient points, and writing clearly and comprehensively under short deadlines. Marty earned a Bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University and a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgetown University. Specialties: Writing, editing, research, marketing and communications planning, communication methods and strategy, blogging, branding, marketing, deep understanding of issues facing higher education, Webinar and podcast production, writing White Papers and articles, editorial planning.