Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL), left, accepts a frames replica of her Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC) Member Spotlight from Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., president of NAICU and Jo Allen, chair of the NAICU Board of Directors and  president of Meredith College (NC).  Rep. Roby is co-chair of the CICC.

U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL), a co-chair of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), has been recognized for her leadership and support of independent colleges and universities by Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
 
“As an independent college alumna, Rep. Roby has been a staunch advocate for the critical role independent colleges and universities play in their states and communities,” Mistick said. “She is committed to ensuring students and families from all economic backgrounds have access to the financial aid necessary to make college choice possible for students to achieve their dreams of a college degree.”
 
Rep. Roby, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011, was presented with a framed replica of her CICC Member Spotlight by Mistick during a reception for private higher education leaders in Washington, DC. Rep. Roby is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on the Judiciary.  She recently announced plans to retire at the end of her term in 2020.
 
Her district covers the southeast quarter of the state, including 15 counties and the thriving cities of Montgomery and Dothan.  The district also includes three independent colleges and universities: Amridge University, Faulkner University, and Huntingdon College.
 
“Alabama’s impressive network of 14 private, nonprofit educational institutions, currently serving more than 24,000 students, work diligently to stay on the cutting-edge of development and innovation,” Rep. Roby said.  “In Congress, I have made it a priority to 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 CICC puts me in strong position to continue fighting for these private, nonprofit colleges and universities.”
 
“As a graduate of New York University, I can attest to the valuable experience private educational institutions provide to students from around the world,” she said. “We must continue to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to these opportunities.”
 
Huntingdon College President Cam West praised Rep. Roby as a role model for young people.
 
“Martha Roby is a regular presence on the Huntingdon campus and a joyful role model to our students,” West said.  “She listens hard and cares deeply about doing the right thing for her district.”
 
Alabama Independent Colleges and Universities President Paul Hankins called Rep. Roby an advocate for independent colleges and universities.
 
“Rep. Roby’s office is always open to us—both in Washington and back at home in Alabama,” Hankins said.  “Despite her busy schedule, she always asks for feedback and listens closely to what we say.”
 
Rep. Roby pledged to continue to serve as a resource for the independent college sector.
 
“In Congress, I have always advocated for proper support for private, nonprofit educational institutions that offer such immense opportunity to students across the country,” Rep. Roby said. “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.”
 
The Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), launched in February 2017, offers Members of Congress an opportunity to both celebrate and advance the diversity of the nation's independent colleges and universities, and learn about the challenges and issues these institutions face.  The Caucus, led by co-chairs Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), has grown to 79 members.