The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities focused on representing 1,700 private, nonprofit higher education institutions on public policy issues in Washington, D.C.
Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book has begun her term as chair of the board of directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).
The national membership organization advocates on behalf of the 1,700 private nonprofit higher education institutions across the country on public policy issues in Washington, D.C.
“NAICU’s advocacy on behalf of the important work of private colleges and universities in our country has a long legacy of positive impact,” Book said. “I’m honored to serve as chair during such a critical period for higher education.”
Book leads a list of four new board officers and 14 new board members who took office on July 1. NAICU board members set the association’s agenda on federal higher education policy, actively encourage support for the association’s priorities and initiatives, and oversee the organization’s financial administration. Board members serve three-year terms, while officers serve one-year terms.
“Connie Book, a passionate advocate for higher education and its power to transform student’s lives, possesses a deep commitment to private higher education and an insightful view of the political environment in Washington,” said NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick. “As president of Elon University, she has worked to enhance the university’s national leadership in experiential education, mentoring and student success. I look forward to working with Dr. Book in the coming year to advance the goals of private, nonprofit higher education.”
Book began her service as Elon’s ninth president in March 2018. Under her leadership, Elon was reclassified as a Doctoral/Professional university and made its debut among the top 100 National Universities in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
In 2020, Book led the creation of the 10-year Boldly Elon strategic plan to continue enhancing and expanding the university’s mission to prepare ethical, resilient and agile graduates who shape the future. The number of full-time faculty positions has grown, and innovative new academic programs have been established in engineering, nursing, science and technology. Book has guided the university as it has built new partnerships and expanded existing ones with the surrounding community, with the university generating an economic impact statewide of close to $700 million each year.
In addition to leading Boldly Elon initiatives, Book oversaw the completion of the university’s Elon LEADS comprehensive campaign, which she kicked off in 2019 and which raised more than $260 million to support the university’s priorities.
Book joined Elon’s faculty as assistant professor of communications in 1999, teaching courses in new media, broadcast policy, news writing, research and production. She also served as department chair and associate dean of the School of Communications. In 2015, she accepted a groundbreaking role as the first female provost and chief academic officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, before returning to Elon in her current role in 2018.
Book earned a doctorate from the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in education administration and supervision from Northwestern State University in Louisiana and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Louisiana State University.
Book will succeed Eric F. Spina, Ph.D., president of University of Dayton (OH), who will remain on the board as immediate past chair.