Keiser University Chancellor and CEO, Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., was recently featured on WPBF (West Palm Beach) to discuss the importance of Florida’s Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant. Dr. Keiser was joined by Keiser University student Marlene Vishno.

The EASE grant is a tuition assistance program awarded to students who attend schools like Keiser University and Florida’s other 29 private, independent, non-profit colleges and universities that are part of ICUF (Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida). Currently, a bill in the Florida House of Representatives, HB 5601, aims to create eligibility standards that would cut $36.4 million from EASE and would result in nearly 13,000 students at 12 ICUF institutions losing $2,841 in tuition assistance.

Keiser said the move would limit the number of schools that can participate and no longer give students a choice.

“This an issue of choice not all schools fit all students,” Keiser said. “In order for schools to be successful, it’s important that the students go to the school that most effectively meets their needs.”

Vishno, a nursing student at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, said she chose KU because it was a good fit for her with small class sizes and personalized attention. “I like having the connection with my instructors and building relationships with the deans,” Vishno said.

This is a sentiment echoed by students at many ICUF colleges and universities. The 30-member institutions of ICUF provide unique and exemplary educational experiences, the hallmarks of which are access, affordability, accountability, adaptability, and acclaimed programs.

To read the WPBF article in its entirety, visit: https://www.wpbf.com/article/grant-program-for-private-institutions-could-change/35997420.

Here’s what you can do to ensure legislators know how important EASE funding is for our students, Keiser University and the ICUF community.

Sign a Petition:

Click here to enter your name and email. Note: You can click to ensure your name is not displayed on the petition. 

Send a Letter:

Click here and follow the process to submit a letter to members of the House and Senate, urging them to Save EASE.