Derek Langhauser has substantial experience helping colleges provide affordable access to high-quality employment-centered education. For 25 years, Mr. Langhauser served as president and general counsel of the Maine Community College System and special counsel to the Maine Maritime Academy. During that time, he also served as the president of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, chair of the Journal of College and University Law, advisor to the Ford Foundation Project on Academic Freedom, member of the Author's Committee of the Education Law Reporter, advisor to several higher education organizations and advisor to a national Campus Safety Project.

Mr. Langhauser also has substantial legal experiences outside of higher education. He has served as a law clerk to two justices on the Maine Supreme Court, chief legal counsel to two governors, special counsel to a former United States senator and counsel to one of Maine's largest corporations.

In recognition of his work, Mr. Langhauser has been elected a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, fellow of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, member of the Council of the American Law Institute, chair of numerous education or law-related boards or commissions, and invited speaker at dozens of state or national education events. He also has been a college guest lecturer on constitutional law, and was the author or editor of numerous articles and books on constitutional or higher education law, including a 2,000-page compendium on campus freedom of speech.

Mr. Langhauser earned a bachelor's degree from Bates College and a juris doctor from the University of Maine.