Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.

Dear Colleagues:

This week, my team and I had the pleasure of joining our colleagues from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities State Executives (NAICUSE) at their annual summer workshop. The thoughtful discussions, camaraderie, and shared commitment to independent higher education made the workshop a highlight of the year. We are deeply grateful to the NAICUSE network for its partnership and for the strategic insights its leaders shared as we discussed the road ahead.

A particular highlight was our conversation with U.S. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, who discussed the Trump administration's priorities for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. We are grateful to Under Secretary Kent, his Chief of Staff Ashley Reich, and the entire team for their time and continued engagement.

Meanwhile, the House has begun its August recess and will not return to Washington until the end of the month. The Senate, however, will continue legislative business through the end of next week. This week, the Senate HELP Committee held a lengthy markup of several bills that could affect higher education if enacted. NAICU continues to monitor the committee's work closely. See soundbite below for more details.

Editor's Note: As Congress departs Washington for the August recess, Washington Update will also take a brief publishing hiatus. Next week's edition will be our final issue before the break. Unless significant breaking news warrants a special edition, Washington Update will return on September 11.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Regards, 

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU

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Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.