DePaul President Rob Manuel meets with student leaders in November. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
DePaul President Rob Manuel has been appointed to the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Manuel joins the board as a representative of Region V, which includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, and his term will run through June 2025.
"For decades, NAICU has served as a well-respected voice for mission-driven higher education, and I’m honored to serve on its board of directors," Manuel says.
With more than 1,000 independent colleges, universities and associations as members, NAICU works to ensure that all students have access to higher education. In discussions with the federal government, it advocates for actions that support higher education, especially those related to student aid, tax policy and regulation.
NAICU board members set the association’s agenda on federal higher education policy, actively encourage support for its priorities and initiatives, and oversee its financial administration.
Manuel was inaugurated this fall as DePaul University's 13th president, bringing more than 30 years of experience in higher education. Throughout his career, he has consistently prioritized the expansion of educational access and supporting the success of underrepresented populations and first-generation students.
"I look forward to working alongside other university leaders to advocate for higher education policies that ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential," Manuel says.
Manuel and the NAICU board of directors will gather next month in Washington, D.C., for the organization's annual meeting.
Scott Butterworth is an editor of Newsline.