WICHE Welcomes Malerie Barnes as New Director of Student Access Programs

BOULDER, COLORADO — The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has named Malerie Barnes, Ph.D., as its new director of Student Access Programs after a national search, marking a new era of leadership for one of the organization’s most impactful and longstanding efforts to expand educational opportunity across the West.

Barnes succeeds Margo Colalancia, who retired September 30 after 31 years of dedicated service at WICHE. Barnes starts in her new role on October 24.

“Student Access Programs has been a cornerstone of WICHE’s mission since 1953 by opening doors for students and easing financial barriers to high-quality higher education across the West,” said Raymonda Burgman Gallegos, Ph.D., who serves as WICHE’s vice president of Programs and Services. “Dr. Barnes brings extensive experience in student engagement and program leadership. Her passion for expanding opportunity and her collaborative leadership style will be instrumental in strengthening and expanding the impact of these programs for the next generation of students and their families.”

As director, Barnes will lead the team that facilitates WICHE’s three tuition savings programs: the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), and the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP). Together, these initiatives have saved students and families thousands of dollars in tuition costs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels each year.

In academic year (AY) 2024-25, students in the West collectively saved a total of $671 million through the Student Access Programs:

$616 million was saved through WUE.

$40 million was saved through WRGP.

$15 million was saved through PSEP.

Barnes brings more than 14 years of experience in public higher education to the role. Most recently, she served as assistant dean in the School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she led efforts to strengthen teacher preparation pipelines across Colorado and the nation. In that position, she oversaw admissions and recruitment, managed scholarship programs to expand access, and built partnerships with schools and community organizations to address critical teacher shortages. She also brings valuable expertise in designing scholarship initiatives that expand access to merit-based aid, including efforts to recognize high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds. She has led recruitment strategies for top-performing students and managed teams dedicated to supporting their success.

Barnes earned her doctorate in higher education policy from the University of Colorado Boulder, where her research explored how public colleges and universities can leverage financial aid to serve students and uphold their public missions.

“I am thrilled to be joining WICHE and for the opportunity to work alongside the Commission and staff to expand access to affordable, high-quality postsecondary education across the West,” Barnes said. “At a time when the value of a college degree is both deeply needed and increasingly questioned, WICHE’s tuition savings programs play a vital role in helping students realize their educational goals. I’m eager to build on this legacy and explore ways to ensure that higher education remains both accessible and relevant for the next generation.”

Through WUE and WRGP, residents of 15 Western states, along with those from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, can apply for reduced tuition at participating public colleges and universities. These institutions agree to cap tuition for eligible out-of-state students at no more than 150% of in-state rates, depending on the program or major. Through PSEP, 10 Western states and two Pacific Island territories invest to grow their healthcare workforce and reduce the educational costs of students; for example, a PSEP student can save between $36,500 and $142,800 on tuition over the lifespan of a professional health degree program, depending on the field of study.

Barnes’s appointment reflects WICHE’s ongoing commitment to helping students and states across the West achieve their educational and workforce goals through regional collaboration, access, and affordability.

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Media contact:
Melanie Sidwell
303-834-5278
msidwell@wiche.edu

About WICHE
A regional interstate compact, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has worked collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West since 1953. By promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy, WICHE strengthens higher education’s contributions to the region’s social, economic, and civic life. Visit wiche.edu.

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