Cline Hosts Annual Higher Ed Roundtable with Sixth District University and College Presidents

LEXINGTON, VA - Yesterday, Congressman Cline was joined by presidents of institutions of higher education across Virginia's 6^th District and representatives from the Department of Education to discuss the challenges facing colleges, universities, and students.

Prior to the roundtable, Congressman Cline toured Mountain Gateway Community College's Rockbridge Regional Center to see firsthand how the college is developing skills and preparing students to join the local workforce in the Rockbridge region.

"From universities and community colleges to the federal government, the roundtable discussion made it clear that we all share the same mission: ensuring the success of our students and local economies," said Rep. Cline. "Virginia's 6^thDistrict is home to a wide range of higher education institutions, many of which face the same issues when trying to best prepare students for the future: overregulation, affordability, trust in our institutions, accreditation concerns, and career readiness. Conversations like these, where I get to hear firsthand from the leaders of our community, help to guide my decisions in Washington and deliver results that drive growth and accomplishments throughout the Commonwealth."

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Hosted at Washington and Lee's campus, the roundtable was attended by President Ken Ruscio of Washington and Lee University, President Gary Daynes of Mary Baldwin University, President Tracy Fitzsimmons of Shenandoah University, Superintendent Lt. Gen. David Furness and Government Relations Director Col. Kim Parker of Virginia Military Institute, President Mary Dana Hinton of Hollins University, President John Rainone of Mountain Gateway Community College, Chris Peace of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Stephanie Giesecke of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. David Barker.

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