University of Richmond President Kevin Hallock to serve as Chair

RICHMOND, VA – October 1, 2025 – The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Inc. (CICV) announces the election of a new slate of officers from its Annual Meeting held September 23-24, 2025 at Hollins University. The 28-member Board of Directors, representing Virginia’s nonprofit private colleges and universities, selected new leadership to guide CICV through the fiscal year that begins October 1.

University of Richmond President Kevin Hallock was elected Chair of the Board. Frank Shushok, President of Roanoke College, will serve as Vice Chair, and Sue Ott Rowlands, President of Randolph College, was named Secretary/Treasurer.

“At a time of unprecedented change in higher education—and with real challenges to accessibility and affordability at hand—Presidents Hallock, Shushok, and Ott Rowlands form a smart and dynamic voice for Virginia’s independent colleges. Their leadership will ensure that CICV is well-positioned for another year of impactful advocacy at the state capitol and in Washington, demonstrating the essential value that nonprofit private institutions bring to students, families, and the Commonwealth. Our collaboration of 28 institutions is pivotal at this moment,” said CICV President Christopher K. Peace.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of CICV at a pivotal moment for higher education. Our member institutions are committed to accessibility and affordability, advancing opportunities for Virginia students, attracting talented students to the Commonwealth, and contributing to our local communities. Together, we will strengthen independent higher education and advocate for the resources our students need to thrive,” said Hallock.

In addressing his new role, President Shushok said, “I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of CICV at a time when independent higher education is needed more than ever. Our colleges transform lives and strengthen Virginia’s communities, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance our shared mission.

Randolph College President Sue Ott Rowlands remarked, “As Secretary/Treasurer of CICV, I am pleased to support our member institutions at this critical time for higher education. Virginia’s independent colleges are vital to the Commonwealth. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant is a major factor in ensuring affordable access for many students and families. I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep them strong, vibrant, and accessible to students from all backgrounds. ”

CICV’s Executive Committee, which provides strategic leadership and direction for the organization, is composed of six presidents: Hallock, Shushok, and Ott Rowlands, along with Scott Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University; Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President of the University of Lynchburg; and Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University.

About CICV: The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Inc. (CICV), more commonly known as Virginia Private Colleges, represents 28 nonprofit private colleges and universities in Virginia. Since its founding in 1971, CICV has worked to improve the quality of education, strengthen resources, and highlight the importance of private higher education in the state. A 2024 report by Mangum Economics found that CICV member institutions employed around 30,000 people and contributed $4.6 billion to Virginia’s economy during the 2023 academic year. Spending by these colleges, out-of-state students, and visitors supported about $2.0 billion in wages and benefits and $157 million in state and local tax revenue. For every $43 the state invests in the Tuition Assistance Grant program, the return on state and local taxes is $78, almost doubling the investment.

For more information about CICV and its member institutions, please visit www.cicv.org.