Spotlight

About CICV

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia was founded in 1971 and currently operates as Virginia Private Colleges, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization representing 28 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Virginia.

CICV is the collective voice of Virginia private higher education.

Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Randolph College

Randolph College

Regent University

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus

George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Averett University

Averett University

University of Lynchburg

University of Lynchburg

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA

Appalachian School of Law

Appalachian School of Law

Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University

Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA

University of Richmond

University of Richmond

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar, VA

Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

Liberty University

Liberty University

Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University

Roanoke College

Roanoke College

Marymount University

Marymount University

Hampton University

Hampton University

Hollins University

Hollins University

Emory & Henry University

Emory & Henry University

Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University

Buena Vista, VA

Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon College

Bluefield University

Bluefield University

Our Campuses

Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Randolph College

Regent University

George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Averett University

University of Lynchburg

Bridgewater College

Appalachian School of Law

Mary Baldwin University

Eastern Mennonite University

University of Richmond

Virginia Wesleyan University

Sweet Briar College

Liberty University

Virginia Union University

Roanoke College

Marymount University

Hampton University

Hollins University

Southern Virginia University

Randolph-Macon College

Students

Learn more about our 27 Virginia private colleges

Find the perfect Virginia private college for you

Learn what makes private higher education unique

Parents & Families

Get the facts about a private college education in Virginia

Learn more about private college affordability & financial aid

College Counselors

Plan a visit to one of Virginia’s private colleges this summer

Get more information and data on all of Virginia's 28 private colleges

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View our state and federal government relations efforts

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Virginia’s private colleges & universities offer a wide and diverse variety of thought, curriculum, and student experiences.

Private higher education institutions across the Commonwealth

Students served by Virginia's private higher education institutions

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Recent News

CICV Announces 2024-25 Officers

Recent News

CICV Announces 2024-25 Officers

CICV

CICV Welcomes New Member Regent University

CICV

VA Private Colleges Celebrate Non-Profit Private Higher Ed Excellence in Nursing

CICV

Important Update

Registration Open for 2025 Counselor Tour

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“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who expre

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Last week, Virginia Private Colleges proudly parti

Last week, Virginia Private Colleges proudly participated in an impactful event hosted by The Hunt Institute led by Javaid Siddiqui. This conference brings together Virginia House and Senate members from the Education and money committees with leaders in higher education policy. The event was a valuable opportunity to engage with policymakers and discuss critical education issues.

Dr. Tiffany Franks, President of @averettnews, was a featured panelist, shedding light on the vital role that Federal Pell Grants play in expanding access and affordability for students pursuing higher education. Her insights highlighted the importance of financial aid in ensuring that more students have the opportunity to attend college and succeed.

Established in 2001 to honor the legacy of former North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., The Hunt Institute has long been a leader in inspiring and informing policymakers on key education issues. Since becoming an independent nonprofit in 2016 and partnering with Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, The Hunt Institute has continued to drive strategic discussions to enhance educational outcomes and student success.

We are grateful to have had this opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on how we can make education more accessible and affordable for all Virginians! #VirginiaPrivateColleges #EducationPolicy #FederalPellGrants #HigherEd #TheHuntInstitute

Virginia Private Colleges is proud to be a partici

Virginia Private Colleges is proud to be a participating host of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Conference – Strengthening Our Workforce and Economic Future. This year’s terrific event focuses on innovative business-education partnerships that are driving Virginia’s workforce development and economic growth. Higher education leaders in attendance include Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, Deputy Secretary Nicholas Kent, SCHEV director Scott Fleming and others!

@shenandoahuniversity President Tracy Fitzsimmons served on a panel discussion around “Collaborations in Higher Education and Workforce Training Programs,” and joined by Presidents of George Mason University and Paul D. Camp Community College. We appreciate President Fitzsimmons amazing leadership on behalf of all our 28 members.

#VAWorkforce2024 #InnovativePartnerships #FutureofWork #VABusiness

Virginia Private Colleges was honored to participa

Virginia Private Colleges was honored to participate in Congressman @benclineforcongress District Higher Education Summit hosted by Hollins University President Mary Dana Hinton. Attendees included presidents of two community colleges, Radford University president, a representative of the Roanoke Higher Education Center, and Roanoke College President Frank Shushok. College leaders shared common ground on value of a degree and the collective goal to make degrees accessible, affordable and achievable on time. Among topics of discussion were concerns about the impacts of FAFSA, the high cost of compliance from new federal DOE gainful employment and DOL overtime rule regulations, and the practical influence of accreditation.

We are proud to support National #TransferWeek, wi

We are proud to support National #TransferWeek, with special events planned by many of our member institutions. Check out: https://www.bit.ly/transfersweek to learn more about special programming at many of our colleges!

Today, Virginia Private Colleges celebrates the in

Today, Virginia Private Colleges celebrates the inauguration of @marybaldwinuniversity President Jeff Stein, whose leadership brings new energy and vision to a valued member of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia.

The impressive ceremony highlighted important symbols, such as Mary Baldwin’s torch, which represents the enduring mission to lead students toward purpose and service, and serves as a reminder of an eternal work to perform as their motto, Non pro tempore sed aeternitate—“Not for time, but for eternity”—declares.

In his inspiring address, President Stein invoked the teachings of mystic Isaac ben Solomon Luria by suggesting that Mary Baldwin and her students can play a role in reuniting scattered sparks of divine light and repair a broken world through education and purposeful service. Though challenges may arise, this university intends to continue to transform lives and uplift communities far beyond the present.

Congratulations to President Stein and the entire Mary Baldwin community on this significant day in your history. #AllIn

Today, Virginia Private Colleges met with House Ap

Today, Virginia Private Colleges met with House Appropriations Committee Member Del. Willett @rodneyfordelegate and Harrison Hayes, Executive Director of the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA), to discuss how private colleges contribute to Virginia’s health workforce, particularly in nursing. Dr. Cindy Rubenstein, Chair of the Nursing Department at @randolphmacon, joined the conversation, focusing on the creation of a Nursing Workforce Center, boosting investment in the Earn2Learn grant program, solving clinical placement challenges, and aligning graduate TAG with undergraduate awards. Did you know that 1/2 of all student debt nationally is in graduate education? TAG helps make healthcare careers more affordable and accessible for Virginians! #Healthcare #Nursing #HigherEd #TAG

Virginia Private Colleges attended the National As

Virginia Private Colleges attended the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Fall Leadership meeting. NAICU serves as the unified national voice of private nonprofit higher education.

During the event, state executives received greetings from @hollinsuniversity President and NAICU Chair, Mary Dana Hinton. President Hinton highlighted the importance of private education as a public good and expressed gratitude for the states’ active role in advocacy.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ task force report, “State-Led Strategy to Enhance the Value of Degrees.”

State executives also recognized long time NAICU government relations professional Sarah Flanagan for over 3 decades of service to nonprofit higher education. #HigherEd #PrivateEducation #Advocacy #CICV #NAICU

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, I

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Inc. (CICV) announced the election of a new slate of officers at its Annual Meeting on September 25,
2024. The 28-member Board of Directors, representing nonprofit Virginia colleges and universities, selected new leadership to guide CICV through the fiscal year that began on October 1. Hollins University President Mary Dana Hinton has been named Chair of the Board. University of Richmond President Kevin Hallock will serve as Vice Chair, and Roanoke College President Frank Shushok will assume the role of Secretary/Treasurer.

“Presidents Hinton, Hallock, and Shushok collectively represent a smart and dynamic voice for higher education in Virginia. With their leadership, our organization is poised for another year of impactful advocacy at the state capitol as we share the value and impact of independent higher education in the Commonwealth. These new officers’ collective vision and experience will be a great guide for collaboration among our members,” said CICV President Christopher K. Peace.

Yesterday’s Virginia Chamber of Commerce Workfor

Yesterday’s Virginia Chamber of Commerce Workforce and Education Executive Committee meeting focused on important topics such as school readiness, building a strong and qualified child care workforce, addressing child care deserts, and the need for public-private partnerships in tackling these challenges. Virginia Private Colleges can play a role in supporting early education initiatives because childcare systems are essential to ensuring a bright future for Virginia’s students and workforce! Committee members also discussed the development of Blueprint 2035.

#EarlyChildhoodEducation #VAChamber

Virginia Private Colleges participated in the Sout

Virginia Private Colleges participated in the Southern NAICUSE Meeting this week in Macon, Georgia. The annual meeting joins nonprofit private college association state executives over two days to discuss ways each state organization supports its member colleges and universities. Topics covered post-COVID challenges for state associations and member campuses, delivering value for campuses, impact of FAFSA and new federal/state legislation, and anticipated state and federal legislation affecting members et al. This meeting is an important opportunity to develop strategies for preparing independent colleges for the future.

Virginia Private Colleges welcomes @regentuniversi

Virginia Private Colleges welcomes @regentuniversity as its newest accredited nonprofit private institutional member.

https://www.regent.edu/news/regent-university-joins-council-of-independent-colleges-in-virginia/

Virginia Private Colleges celebrated the inaugurat

Virginia Private Colleges celebrated the inauguration of @sweetbriaredu President Mary Pope M. Hutson ‘83. Since 1901, Sweet Briar College has challenged and inspired women, forging ethical leaders with the skill, compassion, and vision to create a more just and sustainable world. Dignitaries attending today’s ceremony were delegates from both public and private colleges including many member institutions as well as past CICV President Robert Lambeth who dedicated his remarkable career to advancing the cause of nonprofit private colleges in Virginia. #holla

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