The Education Department has created a rulemaking body tasked with shaping the future of higher education accountability, Pell Grants, and student aid.
Matthew Feehan, a National Guard veteran and former infantry officer, has been appointed by the department to serve as the primary negotiator on the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell Committee.
“Feehan will represent student veterans, active-duty service members pursuing higher education, and the organizations that advocate for them,” Combat Vets of America wrote in a press release.
“Matt represents exactly what CVA stands for, integrity, service, and a relentless commitment to improving the systems that affect those who served,” CVA National Commander Brandon M. Barron said. “His selection by the Department underscores both his credibility and the growing influence of a new generation of veteran leadership.
“We are proud to stand behind him as he advocates for accountability, access, and the educational rights our veterans have earned.”
Feehan and the AHEAD Committee’s work “will influence how educational institutions are held accountable and how student aid is delivered—making this one of the most consequential higher education negotiations in years,” CVA added.
The department appointed Feehan after he was nominated by the Veterans Education Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of educational opportunities, transparency, and fair treatment for student veterans, service members, and their families.
Feehan will be taking up the new role ahead of the Education Department’s next negotiated rulemaking meeting, where officials will discuss the implementation of changes to institutional and programmatic accountability measures, such as the loss of direct loan eligibility for certain programs with low-earnings outcomes, financial value transparency, and gainful employment.
Another plan that will be discussed in the meeting is the establishment of program eligibility requirements for a new transferable Workforce Pell Grant for students enrolled in programs that last 8-15 weeks, which includes active-duty service members.
VETERANS DEFENDED OUR HOMELAND AND NOW THEY NEED A PLACE TO SIT IN IT
The meeting will also feature a discussion on the exclusion of Pell Grant assistance for students who receive grant or scholarship aid covering their entire cost of attendance or for students with a student aid index in excess of twice the maximum Pell Grant award.
Lastly, on behalf of active-duty and former military members enrolled in higher education, Feehan will weigh in on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which calls for significant reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving access and affordability in higher education, and modernizing the administration of federal student aid programs.
