For the first time, Averett University hosted the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) for its annual statewide meeting.

Presidents from more than 20 Virginia private colleges convened on Averett’s campus September 27 and 28, covering topics that impact higher education in the Commonwealth as well as factors influencing institutions that thrive.

Some of the speakers included Ed Gillespie, Candidate for Governor of Virginia, 2017; Ben Davenport, Chairman of Davenport Energy and First Piedmont Corporation; Dr. David Feldman, Professor at the College of William & Mary and author of “The Future of America’s Colleges and Universities: Turbulence Ahead?” and “Why Does College Cost So Much?;” and Averett’s own president, Dr. Tiffany Franks, and executive vice president, Charles Harris, who presented on the Averett University footprint and the Averett 2020 Strategic Plan.

“Opportunities to showcase the institution we treasure to colleagues across the state are rare,” said Franks, who is also the chair of CICV. “Our visiting presidents repeatedly remarked during their stay about the welcoming atmosphere of our students, staff and campus in general and I’m very appreciative to all the Averett family for making this possible.”

The CICV 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. The organization works collaboratively in the areas of public policy, cost containment and professional development as well as providing support to our member institutions and their students in the areas of government relations, collaboration, research and public relations.