Public University Trustees Should Serve the Public Good
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made the right decision when he vetoed Senate Bill 506. However, both the title and text of...
STAFF
Nick Down
Associate Director of External Affairs
Request an InterviewNick collaborates closely with ACTA's Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of Strategy to monitor emerging trends in higher education and public policy, and to develop appropriate strategic responses. He also supports the Trustee & Government Affairs department through trustee and policymaker communications, public outreach initiatives, and contributions to ACTA’s publications.
Prior to joining ACTA, Nick served on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant to his hometown Congressman, followed by a role as an advocate for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. In 2025, he was appointed to the Virginia Advisory Committee of the bipartisan U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Nick holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University (2017) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rowan University (2012). In his free time, he enjoys bowling, reading, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their pets.
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Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
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