National Association of Independent College and University State Executives

The leaders of the state associations representing independent colleges and universities comprise the National Association of Independent College and University State Executives (NAICUSE).  State associations that are members of NAICUSE are also members of NAICU. Currently, 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are represented in NAICUSE. The state association presidents have been an integral partner in support of NAICU’s advocacy on behalf of private, nonprofit colleges and universities. 

The convergence of federal-state issues in education policy has placed a premium on the NAICU-NAICUSE relationship. The organizations work together to develop NAICU's “Home and Away, Capitol Conversations” strategy. NAICUSE members schedule Hill visits for presidents during NAICU’s Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. Members of the NAICU staff are frequently invited to present or facilitate policy discussions with NAICUSE boards, students on state lobby days, or advocacy coalitions.  

The State Executives have an informal motto, “Every State is Different,” and that is reflected in the size and shape of their individual organizations.