Leader of College Group: Private Colleges Want to Be a Partner in Economic Development

As a nonpartisan organization, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges did not make an endorsement in the gubernatorial race, but President Jennifer Widness has been "heartened" by Gov.-elect Ned Lamont's acknowledgment of the need to educate the labor force of tomorrow.  Widness said of the organization, "We've really been focused on ensuring that the colleges in the state are partners in economic development and have a seat at the table." She also said she was heartened by Lamont's approach of bringing as many stakeholders as possible "to the table right off the bat."