Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues:

On Wednesday, we gaveled to a close the most successful Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day in over a decade. In terms of programming, attendance, sponsors, and Advocacy Day participation in meetings on Capitol Hill, this year’s meeting was a resounding success. More than 500 members and guests attended the four-day conference. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and the Chair of the House Committee on Education & Workforce Tim Walberg (R-MI) spoke about their priorities and their personal and family connections to private, nonprofit higher education. We also heard important policy priorities from the “four corners” of Capitol Hill, the Democratic and Republican House and Senate education committee staff who, among other things, will be leading the efforts on reconciliation.  

We received timely data, analysis, and insights on the perceptions and value of higher education from Stephanie Marken of Gallup and an “insider's” look into today’s Washington, DC political dynamics from Jonathan Martin of POLITICO. We also heard from Mindy Sauter and Farnaz Farkish Thompson of McGuireWoods, LLP regarding executive orders and actions on DEI, including the nuances of responding to legal inquiries from immigration officials. Their presentation is available on the website. 

On Advocacy Day, we took our message of Private Colleges Public Purpose to Capitol Hill and held some 300 meetings with Members of Congress and staff. Thank you to everyone who took the time to advocate on behalf of our sector.  

Our concerns about the risk sharing elements of the College Cost Reduction Act and their possible inclusion in any reconciliation efforts apparently are making a difference. Based on feedback we’re receiving, it appears that members on both sides of the aisle better understand the financial impact the provisions would have on our students, employees, institutions and regions. We will see how this unfolds in the coming days and keep you updated.  

We also heard from Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), one of the two new co-chairs of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus. Rep. Ross is bringing new energy to the caucus with her co-chair Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA). We are actively working to grow the size of the caucus. 

We presented the 2025 Henry Paley Memorial Award to Sarah A. Flanagan, NAICU vice president for government relations and policy development. Sarah is retiring this spring after more than 30 years as NAICU’s lead advocacy strategist. 

If you had Capitol Hill meetings, I encourage you to fill out our feedback form if you haven’t done so already. Your feedback provides tremendous insights for us as we develop and tailor our advocacy strategies.  

This year’s meeting was so energizing and productive. The relationship building with Members of Congress, the camaraderie among colleagues, and the strong commitment to continue our efforts to advocate for our students and all of independent higher education were all on display.  

Based on what I’ve already heard coming out of our meeting, I know we are set up to continue to be productive in our advocacy efforts during the remainder of this year. 

Thank you to all those who were able to make it to Washington for a such a rewarding several days of activities, engagement, camaraderie, and fellowship. I hope you will save the date for next year’s meeting, which will be held February 1-4, 2026 in Washington. 

Soundbite

• McMahon Confirmation Hearing Set - The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has scheduled the confirmation hearing for Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon for Thursday, February 13. McMahon is a former business executive who led the Small Business Administration during the first Trump administration.  
   
• Executive Order – President Trump signed an executive order this week that bars transgender students from participating on women’s athletic teams or sharing women’s locker rooms.