North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, was recognized Oct. 17 for her leadership and support of independent colleges and universities.

She was recognized by Barbara K. Mistick, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, with the presentation of a framed replica of her Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC) Member Spotlight.

Stefanik has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015. She currently serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor, Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

“As a proud graduate of an independent college, the CICC caucus allows me to be a leading voice in Congress on the issues impacting independent colleges and universities,” Stefanik said. “I continue to see the impact independent colleges make on the lives of students, and in the communities across my district and throughout the nation. A strength of our higher education system is the variety that exists across the sector, in which independent colleges have an important place in providing students with distinct learning opportunities to foster their individual growth and development.”

Her district covers New York’s Adirondack Region and includes five independent colleges and universities: Clarkson University, CVPH Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, Paul Smith's College, St. Lawrence University, and Word of Light Bible Institute.

Clarkson University President Anthony G. Collins., Ph.D., praised Stefanik for her work on higher education and environmental issues.

"Congresswoman Stefanik is a bi-partisan leader for clean energy, environmental research and public policies that advance sustainable economic development as well as ensure sound protections for our most precious natural resources,” Collins said. “As a national research university and proven leader in technological education committed to sustainable solutions through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation, Clarkson is grateful for her partnership with the University, the North Country district she serves and the nation that needs world-relevant responses to the complex issues we face."

St. Lawrence University President William L. Fox, Ph.D. credited Rep. Stefanik with recognizing how higher education empowers students.

“Congresswoman Stefanik understands the transformational power of higher education and has been a leader and strong supporter of issues such as access and affordability that are important to colleges and universities in the North Country,” Fox said.