|
|
 |
LCSC president says White House meeting was productive
LEWISTON, Idaho - A roundtable held in Washington, D.C. last Friday, March 23, provided an opportunity for college and university presidents and chancellors to meet with Administration officials about higher education, with the major focus being access, affordability, and completion.
Lewis-Clark State College President J. Anthony (Tony) Fernandez was among 25 members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) who gathered for the 90 minute roundtable at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is located next door to the White House.
The discussion focused on a report issued by the Obama Administration in February called "Education Blueprint: An Economy Built To Last." White House Domestic Policy Director Cecilia Munoz, Domestic Policy Council Senior Advisor for Education Zakiya Smith, Deputy Education Secretary Tony Miller and Office of Public Engagement Director Jon Carson were among Administration officials who participated.
"It was a very informative meeting for the chancellors and presidents, as well as the White House staff," said Fernandez. "Discussions were frank and constructive and the Administration staff seemed genuinely appreciative of our input. Of course college affordability was the main topic and I shared the Idaho perspectives on this issue."
Fernandez said AASCU representatives pointed out that their schools are the lowest priced 4-year higher education institutions in the country and that keeping tuition affordable is only one factor in controlling costs.
Fernandez also said he emphasized the need to implement a postsecondary longitudinal data system to track the progress of students in higher education.
While in Washington, D.C., Fernandez also attended the spring meeting of the AASCU Council of State Representatives, which includes representation from all 50 states and U.S. territories. He also met with U.S. Senator James Risch, and staff members from the offices of U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and 1st District U.S. Representative Raul Labrador.
For more information, please contact Greg Meyer, LCSC Director of College Communications. (208)-792-2200 or gameyer@lcsc.edu
|
|
