Representatives from seven member colleges and universities of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities met with Kentucky’s congressional delegation during NAICU’s Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day Feb. 4-7 in Washington, D.C.

 

College presidents from six AIKCU members participated in the Hill visits: John P. Marsden of Midway University, who is also chair of the AIKCU Board of Directors; Susan Donovan of Bellarmine University; Marcia Hawkins of Union College; Milton C. Moreland of Centre College; Cheryl L. Nixon of Berea College; and Burton J. Webb of the University of Pikeville.

 

Senior staff from Bellarmine University, Midway University, the University of Pikeville, and the University of the Cumberlands, along with AIKCU President Mason Dyer and AIKCU Vice President Krista Hudson, rounded out the group.

 

The AIKCU members went to Capitol Hill Feb. 6, where they were able to discuss the strengths of the sector as well as challenges facing independent higher education with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, U.S. Rep. James Comer of the 1st District, U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie of the 2nd District, and U.S. Rep Morgan McGarvey of the 3rd District. They also met with staff members representing U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers of the 5th District, and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr of the 6th District.
 

“We appreciate the reception the college presidents received during Hill Day meetings and the support Kentucky’s congressional delegation extends to AIKCU members,” AIKCU President Dyer said. “We had a great day of substantive conversations about the importance of federal student aid programs for AIKCU students, the challenges of the current regulatory environment, and the key role AIKCU colleges and universities play in cultivating and retaining talent to address workforce needs in Kentucky.”

 

The National Association of Independent Colleges considers its Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day the premier policy and advocacy event for private, nonprofit higher education leadership.