The U.S. Department of Education has selected Jessica Barry, President of The Modern College of Design, to serve as the primary negotiator representing proprietary institutions on the Affordability and Student Loans negotiated rulemaking committee.

Through this committee, and other rulemaking bodies, the U.S. Department of Education under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), seeks to advance equitable outcomes for all students. Ms. Barry plays an important role advocating for institutional accountability and positive student outcomes. This commitment was also previously shown through her service as primary negotiator for small proprietary colleges on the 2017 Gainful Employment Negotiated Rulemaking Committee.

“I am honored to be chosen as a primary negotiator representing proprietary institutions for the Affordability and Student Loans Committee,” said Jessica Barry. “I look forward to working collaboratively with committee members to ensure accountability across all of higher education and that student loans are working for students and taxpayers.”

Other notable members of this committee include, Michale S. McComis, Executive Director for Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Dr. Marjorie Dorime-Williams, Assistant Professor, Higher Education at the University of Missouri, Dr. Robert Ayala, Arts and Sciences Division Chair / Biology Instructor for Southwest Texas Junior College, Misty Sabouneh, AVP, Financial Literacy & Integrity for Southern New Hampshire University. Representatives from dependent and independent students, federal family education loan lenders, financial aid administrators, individuals with disabilities or groups representing them, minority-serving institutions, state regulators, and U.S. Military service members, veterans, or groups representing them also serve in this group. Jessica Barry’s inclusion on this negotiated rulemaking committee brings local, regional, and national perspective and helps work towards the goal of benefiting students and the communities in which students are educated and ultimately employed.

Ms. Barry is a 1997 graduate of The Modern College of Design, holds a BA in management from Antioch University Midwest, and has been recognized as an award-winning educator, administrator, and creative director. Ms. Barry has served as the school’s president since 2007 overseeing the operations of the college with an emphasis on compliance, admissions, marketing, financial aid, facilities, and strategic planning.