Preliminary Program
Sessions are open to all registered Annual Meeting attendees unless noted.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Government Relations Academy (Preconference Session)
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Advocacy Amidst Upheaval
The new 119th Congress represents a sea change in Washington, with Republican control over both chambers of Congress and the White House. This session is designed to give campus leaders an overview of the major higher education issues on the agenda of Congress and the Administration, followed by “hot topic” sessions delving further into specific policy issues.
SPEAKERS:
Jody Feder, J.D., Director of Accountability and Regulatory Affairs, NAICU
Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU
Karin L. Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU
Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU
Suzanne Stokes Vieth, Director of State Relations and Outreach, NAICU
3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topic Concurrent Sessions
Dive into greater detail on policies that could impact your campus by choosing two mini-sessions. Conversations will include policy or campus experts and members of the NAICU Government Relations Team.
(Choose one session in each time block)
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Hot Topics Session I
Challenges for International Students Studying at U.S. Colleges and Universities
The new administration in Washington promised changes to the nation’s immigration policies. Will new policies affecting U.S. borders pose problems for international students wanting to study at U.S. colleges and universities? Will there be additional policies resulting from the war in Gaza and protests on U.S. colleges campuses that will affect international students? What are colleges doing to prepare for uncertain potential complications for retaining and growing their international student populations?
SPEAKERS:
Karin Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU
Dianne Miller, Senior Director, Federal Relations, Cornell University (NY)
Communicating the High-Stakes Financial Impact of Risk Sharing to Congress
Explore the College Cost Reduction Act’s risk-sharing proposals, their financial impact on independent colleges and universities, and how to effectively convey these challenges to Congress.
SPEAKERS:
Jenna Colvin, President, Georgia Independent College Association
Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU
Federal Student Aid Funding
Two fiscal years of federal student aid funding will be determined in the first session of the 119th Congress as it considers final appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and starts the 2026 fiscal year budget process. Hear how funding for Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study and other programs may be affected.
SPEAKERS:
Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU
Robyn Hiestand, Vice President, Bose Public Affairs Group
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topics Session II
Department of Education: Can It Be Abolished?
President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on eliminating the Department of Education. What would such a policy change entail? Will Congress agree? What will happen to federal student financial aid? Find out the answers to these questions and more about the future of the Department.
SPEAKERS:
Jody Feder, J.D., Director of Accountability and Regulatory Affairs, NAICU
Alex Nock, Principal, Penn Hill Group
What Is Reconciliation and Why Does It Matter?
Budget experts will provide an overview of the congressional budget reconciliation process, including how the new majority may use this tool to reshape federal higher education policy.
SPEAKERS:
Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU
Robyn Hiestand, Vice President, Bose Public Affairs Group
The Tax Bill - Many Risks, Maybe an Opportunity
What tax benefits important to colleges and universities and the students we serve are at risk of elimination in upcoming tax legislation? While much is at risk, there is also a potential opportunity.
SPEAKERS:
Karin Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU
Dianne Miller, Senior Director, Federal Relations, Cornell University (NY)
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Making Government Relations Work For—and On—Your Campus
In these turbulent times, advocacy at the federal and state levels is more important than ever. Successful advocacy requires a commitment at the campus level. Learn about the different models independent colleges and universities use to manage their relationships with elected officials.
MODERATOR:
John E. Cech, Ph.D., President, Carroll College (MT)
SPEAKERS:
Rana Altenburg, Associate Vice President of Public Affairs at Marquette University (WI)
Joseph Corazzini, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, Clark University (MA)
Leslie Ryser, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Chief of Staff, University of the Cumberlands (KY)
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Government Relations Academy Reception
Government Relations Academy attendees are invited to a special reception and meet and greet to network with colleagues old and new. Enjoy a drink and snacks after an afternoon of meetings.
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
After a day of travel or the first afternoon of meetings, unwind and network with friends and colleagues, while enjoying an array of delicious food and drink.
Monday, February 3, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
NAICUSE Breakfast Buffet
Closed Sessions for State Executives and Staff Members
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
NAICUSE Executive Committee Meeting
Closed Session for Committee Members Only
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Coffee Break
Sponsored by:
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
NAICUSE Meeting
Closed Session for State Executives and Staff Members
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Sponsored by:
Plenary Session I
Building a Leadership Team That Can Navigate Uncertain Times
During times of significant change and challenge, such as those facing private, nonprofit higher education today, it is critical for a president and their leadership team to be unified and focused on what matters most. While a president cannot control the effects of external forces on their institution, research suggests that they can prepare their leadership team to navigate together obstacles, threats, and crises in a way that strengthens their sense of team leading to higher levels of performance.
This session will review the findings from a study of two highly-rated senior leadership teams as they navigated the COVID crisis and reveal which of the eight key elements of Senior Leadership teams were most prominently identified among the perceptions and experiences of team members.
While the challenges facing higher education will continue to evolve, the foundation addressing and overcoming them begins by establishing and investing in unified and effective leadership teams who can creatively and collaboratively overcome whatever is around the next corner.
SPEAKERS:
James W. Smith, Ph.D., Senior Consultant, Gonser Gerber
André Stephens, Ph.D., President, Fresno Pacific University (CA)
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Plenary Session II
Beyond the Headlines: What Americans Really Think About Higher Education
Media coverage of national polling and data trends about the perceptions of higher education has included click-worthy headlines and resulted in discussions about whether Americans still value a degree and the college experience. But are the headlines and stories accurate? Do they tell the complete story? What is the full picture that national data are revealing about how Americans perceive and value higher education and what are the implications for colleges and universities?
MODERATOR:
Constance Ledoux Book, Ph.D., President, Elon University (NC)
SPEAKER:
Stephanie Marken, Senior Partner, Gallup
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Plenary Session III
2025 Tax Bill: Risks for Independent Colleges and Universities
Several key provisions of the 2017 tax reform bills, signed into law during the first Trump administration, expire in 2025 mandating Congress extend a host of popular tax breaks. With additional campaign promises from the new administration to enact large scale tax relief, Congress will be focused on drafting major tax legislation this year. Among the risks for private, nonprofit colleges and universities will be an increase in the endowment tax, both raising the rate and changing the formula to include more private colleges. A new tax on nonprofit hospitals and colleges, and other nonprofits, is also possible. A former Chief Counsel with the House/Senate Joint Committee on Taxation who works closely with NAICU institutions paying the endowment tax will provide insight on the political environment and the potential impact of a large-scale tax bill in 2025 on the nonprofit higher education sector.
MODERATOR:
Elizabeth Paul, Ph.D., President, Nazareth University (NY)
SPEAKER:
Rick Grafmeyer, LLM, J.D., Partner, Capitol Tax Partners
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Monday Luncheon & Lecture
Strategic Issues Confronting Independent Colleges and Universities in 2025
This panel conversation will delve into the three most pressing strategic issues confronting independent colleges and universities in the current higher education landscape, focusing on sustainable enrollment through both recruitment and student success. Attendees will hear a discussion of The Evolving Student Landscape, The Financial Sustainability Challenge, and Cultivating a Culture of Student Success. This engaging conversation with three college presidents, is designed to provide presidents with actionable insights and foster a collaborative dialogue on how independent colleges and universities can navigate current challenges and ensure long-term institutional viability and student success in the years to come.
SPEAKERS:
Adam Connolly, Senior Vice President, RNL
Tracy Espy, Ph.D., President, Mitchell College (CT)
John McKeegan, J.D., President, Mount Aloysius College (PA)
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
NAICUSE Luncheon
Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, Washington, DC
Closed Session for State Executives and Staff Members
Noon - 1:15 p.m.
NAICU Board of Directors Meeting
Closed Session for Board Members
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Coffee Break
Sponsored by:
1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Plenary Session IV
A Conversation with Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
Hear directly from the new chair of the House Committee on Education & Workforce regarding his views on the state of higher education, federal student aid programs, and the future of the Department of Education.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., President, Hollins University (VA), and 2024-25 NAICU Board Chair
Jeffrey R. Docking, Ph.D., President, Adrian College (MI)
SPEAKER:
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), Chair, Committee on Education & Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Plenary Session V:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD): A Conversation
Join the new leader of the U.S. Senate for an intimate and open conversation regarding his views on the state of higher education and the priorities of the 119th Congress.
MODERATORS
Barry H. Corey, Ph.D., President, Biola University (CA)
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A., President, NAICU
SPEAKER:
Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Majority Leader, U.S. Senate
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Plenary Session VI
Crystal Ball: Understanding the Current Political Environment
Jonathan Martin, among the most trusted political reporters in Washington, will reflect on the political landscape moving forward following the historic 2024 election. What are the implications for higher education, for policy setting, and effective advocacy in today’s divisive climate? Can bipartisan work still happen, and if so – where?
MODERATOR:
Larry Stimpert, Ph.D., President, Hampden-Sydney College (VA)
SPEAKER:
Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, POLITICO
3:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Afternoon Break
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Plenary Session VII
Outlook from Capitol Hill
Join us for a discussion with a bipartisan panel of key Hill staff on the House and Senate education committees. Get the inside scoop on their policy views, the bills they are writing, and their current perspectives on colleges and universities.
MODERATOR:
Barbara Morris, Ph.D., President, Prescott College (AZ)
PANELISTS:
Amaris Benavidez, Professional Staff Member, Committee on Education & Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives
Chance Russell, Economic and Policy Advisor, Committee on Education & Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives
4:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Plenary Session VIII
Applying the Advocacy Mindset to Hill Meetings
Prepare for your Advocacy Day visits to Capitol Hill with this overview session on the most pressing issues facing independent higher education and how to talk about them with your members of Congress. NAICU’s Sarah Flanagan will discuss the key issues, review talking points and leave behind materials and help attendees develop their advocacy mindset.
SPEAKER:
Sarah A. Flanagan, Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development, NAICU
6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Leadership Reception
By Invitation Only
Current or past members of our national board and committee leadership are cordially invited to a Special Reception hosted by NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A, and 2024-25 Board Chair Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., president of Hollins University (VA), Join us as we salute you for your leadership and support of NAICU and your efforts on behalf of all private, nonprofit higher education.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
NAICU Reception
After a full day of meetings, join your friends and colleagues while enjoying a delicious array of food and drink.
Sponsored by:
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Sponsored by:
Short Course I: Funding Academics by Building a Grant Culture
Harnessing a robust campus-wide grant culture will lead to the successful pursuit of significant grants that can drive positive institutional change. We assert that there are three phases to building a successful campus-wide grant culture: Individual, Community, and Institutional. Whereas the first two initiate collaboration among faculty, the Institutional phase creates a sustainable grant culture embedded in institutional memory. This presentation discusses the complementary features of the three phases, presents a clear picture of how they grow simultaneously, how they enhance the institution’s profile, and how they support the fiscal health of the institution.
SPEAKERS:
Eugene Fiorini, CEO of Fiorini & Associates
Jack Jarmon, CFO and Senior Consultant, Fiorini & Associates
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Sponsored by:
Short Course II: Unshaken: Courageous Leadership and Advocacy in Turbulent Times
Advocacy is the public support for a cause, and few causes are more vital than championing the critical role of 4-year private institutions in higher education. These institutions serve as pillars of opportunity and innovation, driven by an unwavering mission to ensure student success. But in an era marked by political uncertainty and societal upheaval, fulfilling this mission requires more than determination—it demands courageous leadership.
In this session, we’ll share insights from interviews with presidents of 4-year institutions, offering a compelling look at their perspectives on advocacy and leadership amidst today’s challenges. Explore how these leaders inspire their campuses, foster collaboration, drive innovation, and take bold action to champion the transformative power of private higher education. Issuing a clear and urgent call to action: the courage to inspire, innovate, advocate, act, and persevere.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and renewed resolve to lead and advocate fearlessly for the future of their institutions and the students they serve.
SPEAKERS:
Jon Hazelgren, Vice President, Partnerships, CampusWorks
Frederick V. Moore, J.D., President Emeritus, Buena Vista University, and Executive Advisor, CampusWorks
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Sponsored by:
Short Course III: Strategically Preparing for a Second Trump Administration
During the 2024 presidential campaign, the President elect spoke of reforms that, if enacted, would impose significant financial and regulatory changes to higher education institutions. While precise policies are yet to be unveiled, there is growing clarity on key areas of focus, including:
- elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- reductions and/or conditional restrictions to federal student aid
- adjustments to research funding and/or reduced F&A cost recovery
accreditation reform - limits on international student and faculty visas
- revised Title IX regulations
- renewed focus on workforce and skill-based training
These priorities, along with existing challenges, require immediate action.
SPEAKER:
Scott Nostaja, Senior Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness Practice Leader, Segal
8:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Short Course IV: A World Without Grad PLUS? Graduate Market Implications for NAICU Institutions
Recently, the federal government has tried to regulate under-performing degree programs, aiming to steer students (and federal dollars) away from programs that do not lead to well-paying jobs and saddle graduates with excessive debt. Responding to bipartisan concern that nearly half of all student debt is for graduate school, the recent College Cost Reduction Act aimed to eliminate the PLUS Loans for Graduate or Professional Students program which supports many of the graduate programs which have become a key source of revenue for many NAICU institutions.
In this session, we’ll estimate the enrollment impact if Congress were to eliminate Grad PLUS loans or otherwise cap graduate student borrowing and examine Grad PLUS borrowing trends over time and concentration by student type, credential, institutional type, and field of study. NAICU members will leave empowered with strategies for program prioritization, pricing, and financial aid.
SPEAKER:
Richard Garrett, Eduventures Chief Research Officer, Encoura
9:00 - 9:15 a.m.
Presentation of the 2025 Advocacy Award
The NAICU Advocacy Award recognizes individuals outside of academe who have championed the cause of independent higher education. Whether in government, business, or philanthropy, the recipient of this award has provided leadership, established resources, or enacted policy at the state or national level that recognized the role of independent colleges and universities in serving public purposes. No single contribution makes one eligible to receive the award, it recognizes a lifetime of service, initiative, and determination.
9:15 - 10:00 a.m.
Plenary Session IX
Navigating the Political Divide on Campus
Students and faculty; Democrats and Republicans; progressives, liberals, moderates and conservatives – how do you get so many perspectives to coexist on your campus? Navigating the campus culture minefield is both complex and time consuming. A panel of current presidents will discuss their approaches to building campus culture of respect and unity despite political differences.
MODERATOR
Michael J. Beals, Ph.D., President, Vanguard University of Southern California
PANELISTS:
Amy B. Carey, Ed.D., President, Friends University (KS)
Milton C. Moreland, Ph.D., President, Centre College (KY)
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advocacy Day Visits to Capitol Hill
Attendees are invited to spend the day meeting with members of their congressional delegation. Check with your state executive regarding scheduling for group visits.
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advocacy Day Debrief Center
Do you have key takeaways from your Capitol Hill conversations to pass onto NAICU staff? Can NAICU help with any follow-up you need to do with your Members of Congress? Or, do you just want to put up your feet in between meetings? NAICU’s Government Relations Team is ready to listen and help. Refreshments will be available.
Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center
Fourth Floor Symposium Room
Reserve Officers Association of the United States Building
First Street and Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
Refreshments Sponsored by
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Ninth Annual Reception for the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC)
You are cordially invited to attend a reception for the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC). The Caucus is focused on celebrating the contributions independent colleges and universities make to the educational, intellectual, economic, social and cultural life of our nation. Refreshments will be available.
Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center
Fifth Floor Ballroom
Reserve Officers Association of the United States Building
First Street and Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Annual Meeting Breakfast
Presentation of the 2025 Henry Paley Memorial Award
Sarah A. Flanagan, NAICU’s vice president for government relations and policy development, is the 2025 recipient of the Paley Award. The Paley Award, named after the late Henry Paley, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities of New York, recognizes an individual who has demonstrated unfailing service toward independent colleges and universities, especially their students, faculty, and campus communities and sets an example for all who would seek to advance educational opportunity in the United States. Flanagan is retiring this spring after more than 30 years leading the Association’s advocacy efforts.
Sponsored by:
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Plenary Session X
A New Era for Accreditation
During the presidential campaign, President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans vowed to deny federal funding to “woke” institutions by “firing” their accreditors, and similar attacks have been directed at accrediting agencies that promote DEI policies or otherwise are seen as too liberal. What do these criticisms mean for accreditation going forward? Join us for a panel discussion that will examine some of the policy proposals on the table and their potential impact on the future of accreditation.
MODERATOR:
Dottie King, Ph.D., President and CEO, Independent Colleges of Indiana
SPEAKERS:
Jan Friis, J.D., Vice President for Government Affairs, Council for Higher Education Accreditation
10:15 - 11:15 a.m,
Plenary Session XI
Engaging Your Governing Board in Your Advocacy Initiatives
Governing board members can be effective ambassadors for campuses with both state legislators and members of congress. But how do you engage board members on political, regulatory or policy issues? What do they need to understand to successfully advocate for your campus. How can you utilize their relationships with elected officials? A panel of campus presidents will discuss how to encourage board members to be ambassadors, capitalize on their connections, and optimize those relationships on behalf of your institution.
MODERATOR:
Jonathan D. Green, D.M.A., President, Susquehana University (PA)
PANELISTS:
David A. Armstrong, J.D., President, St. Thomas University (FL)
Katherine Fell, Ph.D., President, University of Findlay (OH)
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
NAICU Annual Business Meeting
Agenda includes approval of the Policy Objectives for the 119th Congress, Bylaws Revisions, 2025-26 Dues Structure, and 2025-26 Operating Budget, and review of the slate of new Members and Officers for the 2025-26 Board of Directors.
Mary Dana Hinton Ph.D., President, Hollins University (VA), and 2024-25 Chair of the NAICU Board of Directors
Robert L. Manuel Ph.D., President, DePaul University (IL), and 2024-25 Vice Chair of the NAICU Board of Directors
Marjorie Hass, Ph.D., President, The Council on Independent Colleges (CIC)
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A., President, NAICU
11:45 a.m.