Small College America - Todd Jones, President and General Counsel, AICUO
Today, we’re honored to welcome Todd Jones, President and General Counsel of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio. Todd has served in this role since 2005 and is a nationally recognized advocate for independent higher education. Over the years, he has led impactful efforts to expand need-based aid, strengthen institutional collaboration, and promote the unique value of Ohio’s private colleges.
Todd has been appointed by both the Obama and Trump administrations to negotiated rulemaking sessions at the U.S. Department of Education, representing the independent sector. He also served on Ohio’s State Board of Education, where he played a key role in developing graduation standards and accountability frameworks. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Education and worked as a congressional attorney on higher education policy.
- For those who may not be familiar, can you share the mission of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio? How does AICUO support its member institutions, and what are some of your top priorities right now?
- Ohio has seen the closure of several small colleges in recent years. From your vantage point, what are the major forces driving these closures—and what impact do they have on the local communities left behind?
- Like many northern states, Ohio faces demographic pressures—especially population decline in some regions. How are your member institutions adapting, and do you see new models emerging that help sustain enrollment and regional vitality?
- In our earlier conversation, you spoke about the evolving role of partnerships—particularly with community colleges. How are small private institutions rethinking collaboration today, and do you believe this approach can support long-term sustainability?
- Politics and public perception are playing a larger role in shaping higher education’s future. How should small private colleges—and associations like yours—engage more effectively across the political spectrum, especially with conservative leaders and voters?
- As you look to the future, what gives you hope for small private colleges? Are there recent success stories or promising trends that you believe deserve more attention?
