President Andrew K. Benton was recently named the chair of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
Kristen Soares, AICCU President, wrote in a press release on Oct. 30, “AICCU is privileged to have an executive committee composed of very talented and dedicated presidents and trustees. Andy Benton is a highly regarded leader in California and the nation, and we look forward to benefitting from his extensive experience to support AICCU’s mission as the leading and distinctive voice for private nonprofit higher education.”
“I am honored and challenged by the appointment,” said Benton after the announcement of his new position.
“American higher education is one of the greatest achievements of our nation, and California independent colleges and universities have played a significant role in making the U.S.-model of higher education a standard the world over.”
He also points out some of the challenges faced in today’s education: “Challenges of affordability, attainment and jobs for graduates confront us at a never-before-seen level. The public and private sectors must work together to ensure that higher education is strong and relevant in order for it to remain, as Richard Stengel, managing editor of Time magazine called it, ‘in large part, the foundation of American exceptionalism.’”
AICCU was founded in 1955, and it represents 76 regionally accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in California that are committed to bringing high-quality instruction to strengthen the independent nonprofit sector of higher education in California.
AICCU assists all its members through government relations, research analysis, public policy development, coordinated member services and communications.
Benton also serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, nationally organized Commission on Higher Education Attainment and President’s Cabinet of the West Coast Conference.
