NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., left, presents a framed print of a CICC Member Spotlight to Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX).

U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX), a member of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), was recognized today for his 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 alumnus and former teacher, Rep. Veasey understands the important role independent colleges and universities play in meeting the unique needs of students in a diverse higher education sector,” Mistick said. “He is committed to ensuring students and families from all economic levels have access to the financial aid necessary to make college choice possible for students to achieve their dreams of a college degree.”
 
Rep. Veasey, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, was presented with a framed replica of his CICC Member Spotlight by Mistick during a meeting in his office on Capitol Hill. He is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Small Business.  
 
“I personally care about supporting our nation’s independent colleges and universities,” Rep. Veasey said.  “I earned my bachelors from Texas Wesleyan University, a small private university in Fort Worth, TX. My educational experience there was instrumental in shaping my future and instilling in me the values of community, inclusion, and diversity. Through the CICC, I hope to continue advocating for independent colleges and the various issues they face.”
 
His district is composed of two Texas counties: Dallas County, including parts of Dallas and Irving, as well as Tarrant County, including parts of Arlington and Fort Worth. Two independent colleges and universities are located in Rep. Veasey’s district: Parker University and Texas Wesleyan University.
 
Texas Wesleyan University President Frederick G. Slabach, J.D. praised Rep. Veasey for his work as a public servant and support for higher education issues.
 
“Rep. Veasey’s mission as a public servant is similar to Texas Wesleyan’s mission – both are committed to improving lives through education and to improving the Fort Worth community,” Slabach said. “He is a dedicated supporter of Texas Wesleyan as our representative and a proud alumnus. He has even been seen wearing a Texas Wesleyan Rams jersey during the annual congressional baseball game in Washington.”
 
Texas is home to 81 independent colleges and universities enrolling 120,000 students.
 
“As a former student and substitute teacher, I recognize the value and importance of education and believe that education should be made accessible to all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic standing.” Rep. Veasey said. “In Congress, I’m working to keep student loan interest rates down, ensure college affordability, and support programs like Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) that make the American Dream possible for so many.”
 
Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Inc. (ICUT). President Ray Martinez III praised Rep. Veasey’s commitment to Texas’ independent colleges and universities.
 
“We have a thoughtful, engaging champion on Capitol Hill in Congressman Marc Veasey,” Martinez said.  “From meeting with us in Washington to serving on the Board of Trustees of his
alma mater – an ICUT member institution in his district – Congressman Veasey continues to be a strong supporter of independent higher education, and we thank him for that.”
 
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 (AL-2) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-6), has grown to 73 members.