Welcome to the Higher and Postsecondary Education Program
Kenny Nienhusser, a doctoral student in the Higher and Postsecondary Education Program, was selected as a TC Office of Policy and Research (OPR) Fellow for the 2009-2010 academic year. The title of his dissertation research is “Implementation of In-state Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants in New York State.”
His research will explore the implementation of New York State’s policy of permitting undocumented immigrants graduating from the state’s high schools to be eligible for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state. In 2002, New York became the fourth state to offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants enrolling in its public postsecondary institutions. Although enacted six years ago, the implementation of New York’s policy has never been examined. Specifically, Kenny’s study will examine how the state’s in-state tuition policy has been implemented by two community colleges and local high schools in New York City, and if there have been any barriers that have hindered its implementation.
As an OPR Fellow, Kenny will receive a Fellowship award and will participate in a series of events throughout the academic year. In the fall, he will meet with Sharon Lynn Kagan, Director of the OPR, and the other recipients to discuss their research and plan the activities for the fellows for the year. They will attend brown bag luncheons and colloquia, and will have many opportunities for informal interactions with faculty. As a fellow, Kenny will participate actively in the shaping of the policy and research agenda at Teachers College.
Professor Kevin Dougherty is Kenny’s advisor and dissertation sponsor in the HPSE Program.