Hollins president to chair national board

Hollins University President Mary Dana Hinton has been elected chair of the board of directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the university announced April 17.

Hinton begins her term on July 1 and leads a board of four officers and 14 board members.

NAICU focuses on representing private, nonprofit higher education institutions on public policy issues in the nation’s capital.

“Mary Dana Hinton is a forward-thinking, powerful and respected college leader, a passionate voice for the liberal arts and educational equity in private higher education and an expert on higher education leadership,” NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick said in a statement. “I look forward to working with her in the coming year as the sector navigates complex new regulatory and legislative environments while striving to advance the goals of private, nonprofit higher education.”

Hinton succeeds Elon University President Constance Ledoux Book, who remains on the board as immediate past chair.

“I am extraordinarily honored to lead NAICU during this time of significant challenges for private, nonprofit colleges and universities,” Hinton said in a statement. “NAICU’s effective advocacy on behalf of its members will be critical in the year ahead.”

Hinton has led Hollins University since August 2020 and is the university’s 13th president.

NAICU was founded in 1976 and is based in Washington, D.C.