About Us

Two young men walk along a park path lined with trees. One wears a black shirt and tan pants, the other a white jacket and jeans. Both are smiling and enjoying a sunny day. Fallen leaves cover the grass.

Promoting higher education in Arkansas for over 70 years

Founded in 1954, Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities began as a “United Way” for the state’s private colleges and universities. Since then, the AICU has evolved into a fundraising and legislative organization for its now 11 member institutions!

Together, we’ve created a legacy

Share Your Story

1954

In March 1954, the Arkansas Foundation of Associated Colleges was founded. (Now known as the AICU)

1956

The Council of Independent Colleges was founded.

1959

The Foundation for Independent Higher Education, a network of college fundraising organizations, was founded.

1974

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, was founded. The NAIC has served as the unified voice in Washington of the nation’s private colleges and universities.

2019

In July 2019, Andy Goodman became the AICU president after serving as legislative director for Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

AICU Team

Andy Goodman wears a suit and stands smiling in a marble building with a grand staircase. The setting appears formal, with large columns and ornate details in the background.

Andy Goodman

President

Andy Goodman was named president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges & Universities in July of 2019. Goodman, who served as legislative director for Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, replaced Rex Horne, who began his tenure as AICU president in January 2015.

“Andy Goodman is not only a graduate of one of our Arkansas independent colleges, but he also brings extensive administrative and legislative experience to the position,” said Richard Dunsworth, president of the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville and chair of the AICU search committee. “Andy will be a strong spokesperson and staunch advocate for the value of private education. His experience with the state legislature and with public policy, as well as being a collaborative and influential leader, will enhance the contributions that Arkansas’s private colleges and universities make to a broad set of stakeholders, including the citizens of Arkansas, students, and alumni of the member campuses. We are excited about the experience he brings and his commitment to Arkansas.”

Goodman, a graduate of Harding University, has worked as a senior legislative aide since 2015. He was chief legislative aide to Senate President Pro Tempore Jonathan Dismang from 2015- 2018 and served the same position for Senate President Pro Tempore Jim Hendren from 2018- 2019. Goodman also was the legislative director for Gov. Hutchinson in 2018.

Prior to his legislative aide positions, Goodman served with the office of the Commissioner of State Lands from 2009-2015, serving as the agency’s director of real estate for the final two years of his time there.

“I am honored and excited to be selected as the next president of the AICU,” Goodman said. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the board of directors for this opportunity. I truly believe we have a wonderful and convincing story to tell. I appreciate the diversity of our member institutions and have confidence in the strength we create together.”

A person smiling and holding a box filled with ripe strawberries. They are wearing a black T-shirt with Williams Baptist University printed on it. The background shows plants and flowers inside a wooden structure.
A young woman with long dark hair and a ponytail is smiling outdoors. She's wearing a t-shirt with a graphic print, a red backpack, and multiple bracelets. A smartwatch is visible on her wrist. The background is blurred with greenery.
Three students walk and laugh together on a sunny day in front of a building with columns. They appear to be on a college campus, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Continuing our work empowering students across Arkansas

Through generous donations, fundraising, and advocacy, we can continue our work in empowering students across Arkansas. 100% of all donations to the AICU go towards the 11 member institutions and their students, with the hope of making private education more accessible to students with unmet financial needs. By donating to the AICU, you are making a difference in the lives of future difference-makers.
Support AICU