Thomas Bailey

Thomas Bailey is the President and George and Abby O'Neill Professor of Economics and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He leads the Community College Research Center (CCRC) and National Center for Postsecondary Research (NCPR), focusing on community college reform and student success. His expertise spans labor economics, developmental education, and educational equity. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from MIT in Economics.

His research emphasizes improving community college outcomes through policy analysis, institutional practices, and workforce development. Notable contributions include studies on developmental education effectiveness, dual enrollment programs, and input-adjusted graduation metrics. Bailey chairs the U.S. Department of Education’s Committee on Measures of Student Success.

Key awards include the 2012 AERA Exemplary Research Award, AERA Fellow status (2013), and membership in the National Academy of Education (2012). He has authored influential books like Redesigning America’s Community Colleges (2015) and led initiatives such as the I-BEST program in Washington State.

His work addresses systemic challenges in community colleges, advocating for equitable access and pathways to bachelor’s degrees. Bailey collaborates with policymakers and institutions nationwide to enhance educational and economic opportunities for underserved populations.