Doctoral Student to Chair Higher Education Task Force

Photo Submitted

Mark Kinders

Mark Kinders, a University of Arkansas doctoral student in the higher education program, has been selected as chair-elect to a higher education task force that sponsors a nationwide conference on public higher education government relations.

Kinders is vice president for public affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The Higher Education Government Relations Conference brings public policy advocates, presidents, regents and other higher education leaders together to discuss state and national trends generated by governors, state legislators, Congress and the federal administration.

The national task force, which also recognizes exemplary contributions by higher education policy advocates, is comprised of 20 representatives from four higher education associations: the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, representing regional four-year institutions; the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, comprised of doctoral research institutions; the American Association of Community Colleges; and the Council for the Advancement of Support of Education, whose membership includes over 4,000 public and private higher education institutions in 29 nations.

Collectively, the four associations represent more than 14.9 million students at America’s public higher education universities and colleges.

During the three-day annual conference, attendees are updated on federal and state public policy initiatives, global challenges, and best practices by universities and colleges to improve America’s global competitiveness through higher education.

Kinders will chair the task force as it establishes its 2014 conference agenda.