LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) has named Bellarmine University President Joseph J. McGowan board chair for 2009-10. His one-year term was ratified Feb. 4 by member college and university presidents at the 2009 NAICU Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
"NAICU's new board members and officers were selected by their peers because of their expertise in the field, proven leadership and commitment to America's college students," said NAICU President David L. Warren. "They assume their responsibilities at a time of great challenge and transformation for American higher education.
"The economic downturn, growing student financial need and the push for greater accountability are among the dynamics affecting higher education," Warren said.
"I welcome the opportunity to lead the NAICU board during these challenging economic times, which make the importance of higher education at independent universities even more compelling," said McGowan. "The NAICU president, board and membership will work together to assure that high quality independent higher education remains accessible, affordable and accountable."
McGowan previously served as vice chair of the association, which represents nearly 1,000 independent colleges and universities.
NAICU serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education. Since 1976, the association has represented private colleges and universities on policy issues with the federal government, such as those affecting student aid, taxation and government regulation. With nearly 1,000 member institutions and associations, NAICU reflects the diversity of private, nonprofit higher education in the United States. NAICU members enroll 85 percent of all students attending private institutions.
For more information, visit:
http://www.naicu.edu.
Bellarmine University is an independent Catholic university offering more than 50 majors, as well as graduate degree programs and a doctor of physical therapy. Forbes magazine and the Princeton Review rank Bellarmine among America's best colleges, and U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Bellarmine as a top tier university.