ICUT Annual Meeting: TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell Named Board Chair

Back in 1969, a group of visionary presidents of private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Texas founded ICUT-Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. The organization now represents and advocates for forty-one private institutions across the state, including TLU.

In September, ICUT held its annual meeting-this year, in San Antonio-to conduct business and discuss matters of interest to its member institutions, such as legislative updates. ICUT's Board of Directors is comprised of all of the presidents and CEOs of the colleges and universities that are members, and an eleven-member executive committee within that board is tasked with conducting the association's business between meetings of the full membership.

The Executive Committee also develops public policy positions and provides for ICUT's representation before various government entities. TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell, who served as vice chair of the committee last year, will step into the role of chair this year.

"I'm honored to continue my involvement in ICUT by serving as the chair of the Board of Directors in the year ahead," said Cottrell. "ICUT is important to TLU and our sister independent institutions for several reasons. It is the leading voice in Texas and beyond, advocating for our sector of higher education, including support for students through the Texas Equalization Grant (TEG). It furthers the concept of 'better together' as its forty member institutions collaborate on common issues and challenges to strengthen our work. And, it provides cost-saving opportunities through a variety of member services. With some 130,000 students enrolled in independent higher education institutions in Texas-and with almost three-fourths of them remaining in Texas after graduation-ICUT has the ability to impact students, the economy, and a stronger future for our state. I look forward to being a part of all of that!"

Photo caption: TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell with Schreiner University President Dr. Charlie McCormick, ICUT President Elizabeth Puthoff, and Trinity University President Dr. Vanessa Beasley.