Episode 38: Building a Stronger Independent Sector with Kristen Soares

In this episode, President & CEO Larry Galizio, Ph.D., is joined by Kristen Soares, President of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, or AICCU. For the past 15 years, President Soares has led the organization that represents California’s diverse independent, nonprofit colleges and universities, advocating at the state and federal levels for policies that support students and expand educational opportunity. In our conversation, Soares reflects on her leadership journey, the strength that comes from AICCU's diverse membership, and the organization's work to help students succeed. ______________Founded in 1955, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is comprised of over 85 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities in California. Together, these institutions make up the Independent California Colleges and Universities sector (ICCU). AICCU works on behalf of the ICCU sector to articulate the principles and priorities of its institutions in the higher education ecosystem of California. AICCU provides a strong and visible presence at the state and federal level, as well as professional development opportunities for its member institutions’ senior leaders.