The author argues that the role of a public intellectual involves a science of knowing as well as the knowledge gained by a researcher's work and life. Including both, the intellectual moves beyond educational organizations and finds ways to become more involved not only with larger issues of public policy but also with those with whom he or she is engaged. The assumption here is that to help reduce poverty a researcher's focus needs to move beyond the ivory tower. By way of examples drawn from research pertaining to increasing access to college, the article highlights cognitive and noncognitive factors necessary for academic success.