PhD ’11 in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Alexandria, VA

Jose A. Cabrales ‘11 is a 2026 recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award, presented annually to College of Health and Human Sciences graduates who have earned national or international recognition for professional achievement and service.

Cabrales earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State.

“I chose Iowa State because of the caliber and the quality of education I knew I would receive, particularly in higher education. At the time, some of the most renowned faculty taught in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies — Larry Ebbers, Laura Rendón, John Schuh, Flo Hamrick, Dan Robinson, Lori Patton Davis, Nancy Evans, to name a few,” he said. “Iowa State provided me with the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and further explore the field of higher education. I had the opportunity to work with amazing professors who guided me in learning the different ways I can apply my knowledge in the field.”

While a student at Iowa State, Cabrales facilitated policy research initiatives through a partnership between the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the Lumina Foundation, helping connect research to higher education policy discussions. He also helped develop the graduate course Social Justice and Social Change in American Higher Education through a funded departmental proposal.

Beyond his academic work, Cabrales was active in the Latina/o Graduate Student Association and Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, a multicultural organization focused on leadership, scholarship, community service, and cultural awareness. He also participated in professional associations, including the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), the American Educational Research Association, and the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, organizations that complemented his doctoral studies and interest in higher education policy.

Throughout his time at Iowa State, Cabrales made connections that have remained an important part of his life and career.

“I have developed strong relationships and lifelong friendships with Iowa State graduate and undergraduate alumni,” he said.

The sense of community and support he found at Iowa State helped shape a career centered on educational opportunity and student success, aligning with the College of Health and Human Sciences’ mission to improve quality of life through education, leadership, and service.

Since 2018, Cabrales has worked for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Washington, D.C., serving as vice president and chief operating officer since 2022. Representing more than 500 regional public colleges and universities and approximately 4.9 million students nationwide, AASCU advances public policy, student success, leadership development, and civic engagement. In his current role, Cabrales works with policymakers and institutional leaders to translate higher education policy into practice, overseeing grants and special initiatives within the Office of the President and managing more than $4 million in funding.

Earlier in his tenure, Cabrales managed a $1.7 million grant during the COVID-19 pandemic to help member institutions accelerate student success efforts.

Before joining AASCU, Cabrales served as a senior associate in the higher education practice at The Education Trust, where he worked with colleges and universities serving low-income students and historically underrepresented populations to improve student outcomes and address completion gaps.

Cabrales credits his parents and family with instilling “a strong work ethic and commitment to serving others,” which provided the foundation for a career dedicated to higher education. From his early research partnerships at Iowa State to his current role overseeing millions in national grant funding, Cabrales has kept student success at the center of his career.