U.S. Representative Ben Cline (R-VA), 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 (NAICU). [See a video of the presentation]
 
“Rep. Ben Cline serves a rural district where a dozen private, nonprofit colleges and universities are the life blood of their communities,” Mistick said. “During his first term in Congress, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of how important each institution is as a social and economic driver to the cities and towns where they are located. We celebrate his keen interest and support for these private, nonprofit institutions.
 
Rep. Cline, a freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives who won reelection in November, was presented with a framed replica of his CICC Member Spotlight by Mistick during a virtual meeting. Rep. Cline serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on the Judiciary.
 
“Coming to Congress to represent the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia, I knew one of my policy focuses would be on education, particularly higher education, because I have the honor of representing over 20 colleges and universities in Virginia,” Rep. Cline said. “I also wanted to find areas on which I could reach across the aisle to work in a bipartisan manner, so this caucus is an excellent fit for me. I look forward to continuing to work with NAICU and fellow caucus members to empower independent colleges and universities across America.
 
Prior to his election to the House of Representatives in 2018, Rep. Cline was an attorney in private practice, served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg, and served in the Virginia House of Delegates.  He also served as a legislative assistant and later chief of staff for retired Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who previously represented Virginia’s sixth Congressional District.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bates College (ME) and a law degree from the University of Richmond (VA).
 
“More than half of the higher education institutions in my Congressional District are private, nonprofit institutions,” Rep. Cline said. “These colleges play an invaluable role in preparing students to successfully enter the workforce and contribute to society.  In addition, many of these private colleges are some of the largest employers in their communities, and they help those areas remain economically successful.”
 
His district, located in the western region of Virginia, is home to 12 independent colleges and universities are located in the district, including: Bridgewater College, Centra College of Nursing, Eastern Mennonite University, Hollins University, Liberty University, Mary Baldwin University, Randolph University, Southern Virginia University, Sweet Briar College, University of Lynchburg, Virginia University of Lynchburg, and Washington & Lee University.  Virginia is home to more than 40 independent colleges and universities enrolling 135,000 students.
 
“I attended a private college for my undergraduate studies, and the experience allowed me to enjoy small class sizes, the opportunities to try new subjects, and the sense of community that helps students grow and learn,” he added.
 
William C. Dudley, Ph.D., president of Washington and Lee University, praised Rep. Cline’s understanding of the role the private colleges play in his district.
 
“Rep. Ben Cline has shown a willingness to listen when we have shared our concerns about the most pressing issues, especially on critical matters of cost and access. Because he represents a district with a dozen independent colleges and universities, Rep. Cline recognizes that the success of these institutions is integral to the growth and prosperity of the communities in his district.”
 
Reed N. Wilcox, president of Southern Virginia University, expressed gratitude for Rep. Cline’s assistance with navigating federal regulations.
 
"We at Southern Virginia University so appreciate the very thoughtful and skilled interest Congressman Ben Cline has shown in helping to further our mission as a four-year, faith-based, independent, liberal arts university,” Wilcox said. “We are particularly appreciative of his dedicated and insightful guidance and advocacy as he has helped us to navigate the uncertain waters of some of the federal agencies whose policies affect the success of Southern Virginia University and the lives of our students. We are most grateful for his kind help.”
Robert Lambeth, president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, recalled Rep. Cline’s private college education as a reason for his support.
 
“Private colleges are an integral part of the economic and higher education landscape in Virginia, and Congressman Cline’s district boasts one of the largest arrays of private institutions of any congressional district in the country,” said Lambeth. “He is a graduate of two outstanding private colleges and has personal knowledge of the important role private colleges play in our system of higher education.”
 
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 88 members in the 116^th Congress.