Bob Latta - CICC Member Spotlight

Bob Latta (R-OH)

Bob Latta has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2007. In the 116th Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. He also is a member of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus.

Universities in Rep. Latta's district: 

Ohio by the Numbers

50
Ohio is home to more than 50 independent higher education institutions enrolling more than 165,000 students.
9th
Ohio ranks ninth nationally in the number of students receiving Pell Grants, with 209,761 students receiving $792,028,524 annually.
8th
Ohio ranks eighth in the number of students receiving Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, with 37,975 students receiving $27,148,839 annually.
8th
Ohio ranks eighth in the number of students receiving Federal Work Study awards, with 19,742 students receiving $38,466,288 annually.
5
Five independent colleges and universities are in Rep. Latta’s district: Defiance College, Lourdes University, Ohio Northern University, University of Findlay, Winebrenner Theological Seminary

Q&A with Rep. Latta

With five four-year colleges and universities, the Fifth Congressional District is a hub for higher education. As their representative, I want to be a voice for them and for their students however possible.

Our colleges are inspiring the next generation of leaders in many different industries, and it’s noticeable. While I crisscross the 5th District, I meet farmers, business owners, teachers, and other leaders who are alumni of our great colleges and universities. They’re taking what they’re learning in the classroom and transforming the workforce and the way we do business. It’s incredible to see.

Our colleges are at the forefront of research. We’re seeing the development of cures to horrible diseases. We’re seeing them shape the way we care for patients and run our farms. These institutions also play a major role in workforce development, partnering with the private sector to place students in good jobs right out of college.

With a holistic approach—helping colleges and universities have access to research funding so they can continue to be at the forefront of research and development. It is important that we maintain open lines of communication between Capitol Hill and our college presidents. And finally, by ensuring that when they graduate, our students are entering a booming economy with job opportunities, and finding the career and technical support they need to fill the millions of skilled openings available across the country.

Testimonials

Dan DiBiasio

"All of us at Ohio Northern University deeply value Rep. Bob Latta’s strong and sustained advocacy for higher education, especially his appreciation for private higher education and particularly for ONU. Rep. Latta’s support for federal student aid benefits thousands of our students and his recent enthusiastic endorsement of our successful USDA award has led to the transformation of engineering education at Northern."

- Dan DiBiasio
President, Ohio Northern University

Katherine Fell

"Rep. Latta understands and supports the people he represents. He is present in his district, and he knows the issues we face. I have seen first-hand his support of education in all its facets: pre-school, K-12, skills training, two-year colleges, public and independent universities. Rep. Latta serves his constituents well, and we are fortunate to have him in Congress."

- Katherine Fell
President, University of Findlay

Mary Ann Gawelek

"Rep. Bob Latta for over a decade has been a champion for higher education in Ohio. He appreciates and supports independent colleges and universities as critically important for meeting the needs of Ohio post-secondary learners. Through his friendship and support, Lourdes University is particularly able to provide excellent and relevant education to students through the TRIO Support Services Program."

- Mary Ann Gawelek
President, Lourdes University

Richanne Mankey

"Rep. Latta is engaged with Defiance College in mind and deed. He is often on-campus for discussions and holds periodic meetings on our campus, including an Opioid Town Hall with local and national figures. His support of the independent sector is fueled by his willingness to seek understanding as the conversations about post-secondary education and work-force development ensue. We appreciate Rep. Latta and his very supportive Defiance, Ohio staff."

- Richanne Mankey  
President, Defiance College

C. Todd Jones

“Rep. Latta has always been a friend to independent higher education. Throughout his entire public service career, Rep. Latta has always been a supporter of independent college students and values the importance higher education has on their lives.”

- C. Todd Jones
President and General Counsel, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO)