NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick presents a framed photo of a CICC Member Spotlight to Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL).

U.S. Representative Donna Shalala (D-FL), a member of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), was recognized today 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 a distinguished former college president and higher education leader, Rep. Shalala understands the unique roles independent colleges and universities play in their communities,” Mistick said. “She has a deep commitment to ensuring students and families from all economic backgrounds have access to the financial aid necessary to enable students to achieve their goal of a college degree.”
 
Rep. Shalala, a freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was presented with a framed replica of her CICC Member Spotlight by Mistick during a meeting on Capitol Hill. Rep. Shalala serves on the House Committees on Rules, and Education and Labor.
 
“In our rapidly evolving and globalized world, independent colleges produce critical thinkers who possess the confidence and flexibility to adapt and learn new skills,” Rep. Shalala said.  “I joined the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus to help the group grow and serve as a vocal advocate for these institutions in Congress—it is both bipartisan and bicameral and it encourages members from all backgrounds to lead on issues impacting thousands of constituents in their districts.”
 
The granddaughter of immigrants from Lebanon, Rep. Shalala is a distinguished educator who has served as president of Hunter College of the City University of New York, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and president of the University of Miami. She also was the longest-serving Secretary of Health and Human Services in U.S. history.  A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, she has been elected to seven national academies, including the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Education.
 
“In October 2019, I was proud to co-introduce the College Affordability Act alongside Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and my fellow colleagues on the Education and Labor Committee,” Rep. Shalala said. “This landmark HEA reauthorization bill provides every single American citizen with the opportunity to receive a quality, affordable college education that will lead to a rewarding career and won’t burden them with debt.”
 
Rep. Shalala added: “I’m prioritizing protecting students from predatory institutions that only care about profits over academic success and student well-being. Too often, it is low-income and minority students who most need our help and yet are least supported and left in debt with no job prospects. My experience as a university president has taught me that student success ought to be the center of any academic institution’s goals.” 
 
Her district includes the City of Miami and surrounding municipalities in Miami-Dade County.  The district includes three independent colleges and universities: Talmudic College of Florida,
University of Miami, and Yeshiva Gedolah Rabbinical College. Florida is home to 30 independent colleges and universities that serve over 130,000 students.
 
University of Miami President Julio Frenk, Ph.D., praised Rep. Shalala for her ongoing support of students in South Florida.
 
“Donna Shalala has long been a passionate and credible voice for independent colleges and universities,” Frenk said. “As my predecessor, she has a deep understanding of our mission and the value our institution and health system add for students and patients in our local and global communities. We are grateful for her ongoing support of our students and her tireless advocacy for transformative education, research, and service in South Florida.”
 
Robert J. Boyd, Esq., president and CEO of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, called Rep. Shalala an advocate for independent colleges and universities.
 
“I have worked with Rep. Donna Shalala for over a decade, going back to the time when she served as president of the University of Miami. At that time, she was the best college/university president in the state of Florida,” Boyd said.  “She understood the contribution the independent higher education sector made to the state and the students who attend these 30 nonprofit institutions in Florida.  She also understood how vital it is to have a strong and independent private sector to provide choice and access to students, many of whom are minority and first time in college in our sector.  And, she understood the economic impact of our schools on the local and state economy.”
 
Boyd added:  “I believe she will be a tireless advocate for continued access and adequate financial aid for the students who choose to attend our Florida institutions.”
 
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.