Michael Tidwell is a Research Analyst at the Institute for Higher Education Policy. At IHEP, Michael supports research efforts in IHEP’s Equitable College Admissions and Evidence-Based Completion portfolios. Before joining IHEP full-time, Michael was a Research Intern at IHEP and worked on several IHEP projects, including efforts to understand direct admissions programs. He also served as a graduate assistant in the University of Georgia’s Enrollment Management office where he supported the development of a campus-wide data repository to promote student success. He has also published and presented on issues pertaining to the future of work, campus safety, and graduate school enrollment.

Michael earned a Master’s of Science in Social Science from Clemson University (2023) and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Cum Laude), with concentrations in Sociology and Public Administration, from Valdosta State University (2021). In addition to his position at IHEP, Michael is a PhD student in the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia where he studies research evidence use in institutional decision-making.

Michael is drawn to higher education policy work because he believes equity-minded higher education policy development and decision-making can improve the lives of generations of college students. His guiding principle are the words of Dr. Louise McBee, that “we are born obligated to pour back into the stream that nourished us, to replenish it for others.” Outside of work, you can find Michael at his favorite local bookstore reading the latest bit of nonfiction, traveling with his friends, and/or walking his french bulldog, Peanut.