NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick presents a framed photo of a CICC Member Spotlight to Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH).

U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-OH), 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.
 
“Through five terms in Congress, Rep. Latta has worked to further economic prosperity and job creation in Ohio and nationwide,” Mistick said. “He has worked closely with the independent colleges and universities in his district to advocate for higher education, including supporting academic research and the federal student aid programs which ensure students and families from all economic backgrounds have access to a range of educational options and the financial aid necessary to achieve their goal of a college degree.”
 
Rep. 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.
 
“Our colleges are inspiring the next generation of leaders in many different industries, and it’s noticeable,” he said.  “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.”
 
He has seen firsthand the contributions of the colleges in his district.
 
“Our colleges in Ohio are at the forefront of research,” Rep. Latta said. “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 play a major role in workforce development, partnering with the private sector to place students in good jobs right out of college.”
 
Rep. Latta has taken a holistic approach to supporting higher education.
 
“We assist colleges and universities with access to research funding so they can continue to be at the forefront of research and development” he added. “We maintain open lines of communication between Capitol Hill and our college presidents. And finally, we work to ensure 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.”
 
Located in the Northwest corner of Ohio, Rep. Latta’s district borders both Michigan and Indiana, and is comprised of 14 counties and includes the cities of Bowling Green, Defiance and Findlay. 
 
Ohio is home to 50 independent higher education institutions enrolling more than 165,000 students.  Five independent colleges and universities are in Rep. Latta’s district, including: Defiance College, Lourdes University, Ohio Northern University, University of Findlay, and Winebrenner Theological Seminary.
 
Ohio Northern University President Dan DiBiasio, Ph.D., lauded the Congressman for his advocacy of private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
 
“All of us at Ohio Northern University deeply value Rep. Latta’s strong and sustained advocacy for higher education, especially his appreciation for private higher education and particularly for ONU,” DiBiasio said.  “His 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.”
 
Lourdes University President Mary Ann Gawelek, Ed.D., cited the Congressman for his strong support of higher education in Ohio.
 
“Rep. Latta has been a champion for higher education in Ohio for over a decade,” Gawelek said. “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.”
 
University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., praised the Congressman for his understanding of the educational needs of his district.
 
“Rep. Latta understands and supports the people he represents. He is present in his district, and he knows the issues we face,” Fell said. “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.”
 
Defiance College President Richanne C. Mankey, Ed.D., lauded the Congressman and his local staff for their presence on campus.
 
“Rep. Latta is engaged with Defiance College in mind and deed,” Mankey said. “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 office staff.” 
 
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) President and General Counsel C. Todd Jones applauded the Congressman for his support of independent colleges and their students across Ohio.
 
“Rep. Latta has always been a friend to independent higher education,” Jones said. “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.”
 
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 87 members.