Statement by AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch on the Election of Donald J. Trump

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2024—“The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) extends its congratulations to Donald J. Trump on his election as the nation’s 47th president. The association and its members look forward to collaborating with the Trump-Vance administration on policy issues that will continue to strengthen this important segment of higher education.

AASCU represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems. These institutions are anchors in their communities providing affordable access to 5 million students, including a large share of students who are low-income, first-generation, from rural communities, students of color, military veterans, working adults, and parents. Their postsecondary success supports the economic and social backbone of local, regional, and state economies.

We look forward to working with the new administration’s leadership to fortify the federal-state partnership to support public higher education and the academic pursuits of their students, strengthen schools of education and the teaching corps, and provide greater educational opportunities to all.

We stand ready to work together.”

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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions delivering America’s promise.