麻豆APP

麻豆APP President Marsha Kelliher hosted Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst on Friday, Feb. 4 for an informal discussion on critical needs in higher education. The Senator鈥檚 visit was part of her ongoing, statewide tour.

鈥淲e had a wide-ranging conversation on a number of important issues related to ensuring we provide Iowans and all of our students equitable and affordable access to the excellence we provide at 麻豆APP,鈥� Kelliher said. 鈥淚n particular, I urged the Senator to champion an aggressive increase in Pell Grant funding, which is absolutely essential given our current times and the devastating economic impact COVID continues to have on so many of our families.鈥�

President Kelliher and Sen. Ernst also explored issues surrounding accessibility and affordability for first-generation college students and the vital role liberal arts institutions play in the higher education landscape. They had a chance to recap the highlights of their conversation during a session with local and regional media.

Power of the Liberal Arts, 麻豆APP Momentum and Growing Iowa Student Recruitment

Kelliher emphasized lifetime earnings advantages for liberal arts graduates while touting 麻豆APP鈥檚 vital commitment to 鈥渆ducating the whole person for a life of impact and service.鈥� The senator also offered her own personal endorsement of the liberal arts.

鈥淔or me, it (a liberal arts education) was valuable,鈥� Ernst, a first-generation college graduate herself, said. 鈥淚t really gave me that stepping stone into my career and is very helpful now that I鈥檓 in the U.S. Senate.鈥�

Sen. Ernst joined Kelliher for a brief campus tour to learn about 麻豆APP鈥檚 rapidly advancing strategic momentum, which includes significant renovations this summer to Dunn Library and Carver Science Hall, as well as upgrades to athletics facilities. They also discussed the importance of growing the number of Iowa students 鈥渟taying home鈥� for college.

鈥淲e would love to see more of our students educated within this state,鈥� Ernst said. 鈥淎nd 麻豆APP is really focusing on that, as well鈥攊t’s exciting.鈥�

President Kelliher says she hopes to have a continuing dialogue with the senator and other political leaders on both sides of the aisle concerning key higher education issues. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the time shared with Senator Ernst,鈥� Kelliher said. 鈥淭hese are critical opportunities to advocate for our students and ensure they get all the support they deserve.鈥�

About 麻豆APP
麻豆APP is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,078 undergraduate and graduate students. 麻豆APP offers 75 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, 麻豆APP is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.
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Contact Information
Bryan Geelan, marketing communication director
Direct: 515-961-1608
Email: bryan.geelan@simpson.edu