CICC Member Spotlight

 

Alabama by the Numbers

  • More than 24,000 students are enrolled in 14 independent colleges in Alabama.
  • In 2018-19, students at all Alabama colleges and universities received:
    • 127,463 Pell Grant Awards, totaling $511,666,917.
    • 24,533 Federal Work-Study Awards and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG) totaling $29,172,307,
  • Three independent colleges are located in Rep. Roby's district:

 
 

Martha Roby (R-AL)

    Martha Roby has served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2021. She served on the House Committee on Appropriations, as well as the House Committte on the Judiciary. In the 116th Congress, Rep. Roby took the role as Republican co-chair of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus, succeeding former Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA).
 


Q: Why did you decide to co-chair the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus?
A: Alabama’s impressive network of private, nonprofit educational institutions currently serves more than 24,000 students. In Congress, I have made it a priority for advocate for these institutions to ensure they have the support necessary to continue their important work educating Alabamians from all walks of life. I believe serving as co-chair of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus puts me in strong position to continue fighting for these private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

Q: What contributions are independent colleges making in your district?
A: In my home state of Alabama, we are fortunate to have 14 independent, diverse, nonprofit colleges and universities, and four of them are located in my district. These outstanding institutions offer immense educational opportunity to the students I am grateful to serve.

Q: How do you see these schools innovating?
A: Alabama’s 14 independent, nonprofit colleges work diligently to stay on the cutting-edge of development and innovation. My job as a member of Congress is to ensure that these institutions have everything they need to face challenges and changes in the educational arena as they strive to equip and educate our students.


 
 

“Martha is a regular presence on the Huntingdon campus
and a joyful role model to our students.  She listens hard and
cares deeply about doing the right thing for her district.” 

- Cam West, President   
Huntingdon College (AL)   

 


Q: As a Member of Congress, how do you support the opportunity for education?
A: In Congress, I have always advocated for proper support for private, nonprofit educational institutions that offer such immense opportunity to students across the country. My door is always open for them, and my office will continue to serve as a resource as we celebrate their many contributions to communities in every corner of the country.

Q: How has your own experience attending an independent college impacted you?
A: As a graduate of New York University, I can attest to the valuable experience private educational institutions provide to students from around the world. We must continue to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to these opportunities.


 

 

"Rep. Roby’s office is always open to us—both in
Washington and back at home in Alabama.  
Despite her
busy schedule, she always asks for feedback and
listens closely to what we say.” 

- Paul Hankins, President   
Alabama Independent Colleges & Universities
   
 


 


Back to CICC homepage

Top