I’m inspired by what becomes possible when we bring people with different experiences and perspectives into the same room, ground the conversation in evidence, and create space for new ideas to emerge. I’m drawn to Urban because of its commitment to using rigorous research not simply to understand problems but to inform meaningful change.
Patricia Steele is a nonresident fellow in the Work, Education, and Justice Division at the Urban Institute. Her work focuses on postsecondary education and workforce development, and she has expertise in institutional change, adult learners, financial aid, postsecondary value, and the use of evidence to improve policy and practice.
For more than 15 years, Steele led Higher Ed Insight, the research and evaluation firm she founded. The firm partnered with nonprofits, foundations, colleges and universities, and national postsecondary organizations to study and strengthen efforts to improve postsecondary access, success, and economic mobility. Steele is passionate about convening people around complex challenges and creating the conditions for new ideas and meaningful change. Her approach combines evidence with appreciative inquiry and inclusive facilitation, bringing diverse voices into the room to inform strategy, foster innovation, and shape new possibilities.
Steele is the author of Data for Good: Maximize Program Effectiveness, Make Data-Driven Decisions, Improve Transparency and Impact and Create the Work You Want. Earlier in her career, she conducted research on college access and financial aid and served in various student development roles on college campuses.
She holds a BA and an MS from the University of Rhode Island and a PhD in education policy and leadership from the University of Maryland.
