The University of Dayton now has a leading voice on issues that affect independent nonprofit colleges and universities and their students through two respected organizations that advocate for private education.

UD President Eric F. Spina will serve as board chair of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO).

“The University has long been a part of these two associations, in fact helping to found the AICUO,” said Ted Bucaro, UD executive director of government and regional relations. “These organizations allow nonprofit independent colleges — nursing schools, liberal arts colleges, comprehensive universities, and others — to come together on our shared values and purposes in very student-focused ways.”

AICUO advocates for strong financial aid programs for students, including the Ohio College Opportunity Grant. Additionally, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, AICUO has helped facilitate connections between Ohio’s private higher education institutions and Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner and public health organizations; and assisted in efforts such as securing access to personal protective equipment.

NAICU advocates at the federal level for student aid, tax policy that helps students pay for college, and public policy that helps private colleges “fulfill their distinctive missions.” The organization has been a leader on advocacy to double the federal Pell Grant.

Spina also serves on the steering committee of the American Talent Initiative, a national alliance of colleges and universities with high graduation rates working to graduate more students from lower income backgrounds.