New England is home to some of the nation’s finest higher educational institutions and is historically grounded in pioneering the highest standards of education.
With over 250 institutions and more than a million students in the region, our colleges and universities not only empower learners, they train our region’s workforce to compete in virtually every sector of our economy. Colleges and universities in New England employ hundreds of thousands of New Englanders and play an important role in contributing to the region’s economy.
The New England Council’s Higher Education Committee includes both public and private colleges and universities, as well as high schools, education non-profits, and workforce development organizations. The Committee encompasses a broad spectrum of higher education advocates in the region, bringing together members from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
In recent years, the Committee has focused on initiatives and policy advocacy aimed at expanding access to higher education, developing a high-skilled talent pipeline to meet regional employer needs, investing in research, and supporting students to achieve their educational aspirations.
The Higher Education Committee is Co-Chaired by Daniel Egan, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island (AICURI) and Dr. Paula Rooney, President of Dean College.