.png)
OUR STORY
Aspire Higher Ed was founded by sisters Sarah and Leah Beasley, who were inspired by their upbringing in a small rural Appalachian town where they experienced the critical role of education in transforming lives. Their educational journeys and varied roles in educational administration, policy, counseling, and consulting equipped them with deep insights and a passion for democratizing access to education. Through our work, we strive to uphold the values of equity, opportunity, and educational excellence instilled in us early, continuously driving systemic improvements and innovations in the educational landscape.
Sarah Beasley, Ph.D.
CEO & Co-Founder
B.A. Harvard University, Psychology
Ed.M. Harvard University, Administration, Planning, and Social Policy
Ph.D. Boston College, Higher Education
-
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Consultant, Beasley College Consulting
-
Former Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, Concord University
-
Former Director of Statewide Academic Initiatives and Research & Policy Analyst, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
-
Former Senior Admissions Officer, Harvard University
-
Former Co-Director Harvard Financial Aid Initiative, Harvard University
-
Former First-Year Proctor/Advisor, Harvard University
-
Peer Reviewer and Institutional Actions Councilmember, Higher Learning Commission (regional higher education accreditor)
Sarah has over 23 years of higher education experience in college admissions and financial aid; student retention; university administration; educational policy, planning, and data analysis; writing, administration, and evaluation of grants; and university accreditation having worked in both private and public universities and at a state higher education agency. Her research on the college access and success of rural, first-generation students won a national award from the National Rural Education Association. Throughout her career, she has secured over $25 million in federal, state, and foundation grants including many related to college access and success.
Sarah’s mantra in higher education has always been “Students First!” She has spent her career advocating for students and putting their needs first, delivering impactful solutions at institutional, regional, and national levels.
Leah Beasley-Wojick, Ph.D.
COO & Co-Founder
B.A. Tufts University, Sociology
M.A. University of Michigan, Higher Education
Ph.D. Michigan State University, Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education
​
-
Founder, President and Consultant, Beasley College Consulting
-
Former Assistant Dean of College Counseling, Cranbrook
-
Former Undergraduate Admissions Officer, University of Michigan
-
Research Associate, Michigan State College Ambition Program
-
Former Educational Consultant: West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Princeton Review, and Lansing Christian School
-
Former Special Projects Intern, The Pell Institute
-
Former Alumni Interviewer & Admissions Assistant, Tufts University
-
Former Admissions Assistant, Harvard University
With over two decades of experience in educational administration, college admissions, and consulting, Leah has devoted her career to improving educational pathways for students at all levels. As the COO of Aspire Higher Ed, she plays a critical role in formulating innovative strategies that assist K-12 students, educational institutions, and college access organizations in navigating the intricacies of higher education.
​
Leah's extensive background includes influential roles from undergraduate admissions to the leadership of Beasley College Consulting. She is a staunch advocate for equitable education and the development of sustainable academic success routes. Her expertise lies in aligning educational initiatives with strategic objectives, ensuring that programs fulfill institutional goals and broader access and success missions.
​
Leah’s approach blends a profound grasp of educational dynamics with a dedication to practical and forward-looking solutions. Under her leadership, Aspire Higher Ed commits to equipping students and educators with the necessary tools to excel within a constantly changing educational environment, keeping the company at the cutting edge of educational innovation and accessibility.
.jpg)
Heather Beasley, Ph.D.
Director of Curriculum and Professional Learning
B.A. Harvard University, Psychology
M.A. University of Michigan, Education Policy
Ph.D. University of Michigan, Educational Foundations and Policy
Heather has over 25 years of experience in K-12 education. She has worked as a middle and high school math teacher and currently serves as a Research & Design Specialist for the University of Michigan’s TeachingWorks, providing professional development to in-service teachers.