Michael Vasquez is a senior investigative reporter for The Chronicle. Before joining The Chronicle, he led a team of reporters as education editor for Politico, where he spearheaded the team’s 2016 Campaign coverage of education issues. Mr. Vasquez began his reporting career at the Miami Herald, where he worked for 14 years, covering both politics and education. His work there included Higher-Ed Hustle, a yearlong investigation of fraud and abuse in Florida’s for-profit-college industry. The series led to the closure of Miami’s most politically powerful for-profit college, the arrest of its owner, and a change in state law that created stronger protections for students.
Mr. Vasquez’s education coverage has been recognized with multiple state and national awards, including a National Headliner Award, an Education Writers Association Award, two Sunshine State Awards, and a Florida Society of News Editors Award.
A native of Queens, N.Y., Mr. Vasquez earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Florida International University.
Stories by this Author
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'I Wanted It to Be Real'
Florida A&M’s President Apologizes After Heralded Donation Falls Apart
The announced $237-million gift has been put on pause, and an investigation is underway. -
Legal Troubles
Yes, the Encampment at Your College Could Help Trigger a Federal Investigation
The Education Department offered explicit examples of episodes — like a raucous protest or a professor’s speech — that could lead to Title VI investigations. -
Campus Unrest
‘Horrific Acts of Violence’: Demonstrators Spar at UCLA Before Police Move In
Violence erupted on the campus early Wednesday as counterprotesters launched objects into an encampment. The fighting continued for hours before the police intervened. -
Hiring and Retention
One Way to Stop ‘Passing the Harasser’? Require Colleges to Ask About It.
A new bill in California would require public colleges to ask applicants’ former employers about whether they’ve broken harassment rules. -
Free Speech
Texas Tech Suspends Professor Over Alleged ‘Hateful, Antisemitic’ Posts
The professor, Jairo Fúnez-Flores, said criticism from university leaders felt like “character assassination.” -
Health and Safety
‘Completely Shut Out’: A Shuttered Building and Reports of Chemicals Rattle N.C. State
The closure of Poe Hall and dozens of reported cancer diagnoses have culminated in a faculty group’s no-confidence vote in the chancellor and provost. -
Leadership
Why Higher Ed Is Taking a Step Back on Public Statements
A growing number of college leaders are refusing to articulate stances on current events, or at least being more cautious about it. -
Finance & Operations
‘Simply Stunned’: A Sudden Financial Crisis Has Left U. of Arizona Fearful of What’s to Come
The university is bracing for cuts to close a $177-million budget hole. How painful will they be? -
A Blueprint for Change
Pennsylvania’s Governor Seeks to Consolidate Most of Its Public Colleges — and Make Them More Affordable
Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday proposed putting the state’s publicly owned universities and community colleges under one governance system, and lowering tuition for many in-state students. -
Combating Antisemitism
The Feds Have Been Flooded With Campus Complaints of Anti-Jewish Bias. Now What?
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, known for its lengthy sexual-misconduct investigations, has fielded dozens of discrimination complaints since October 7.