Blair Dowden. Photo provided.

Dr. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University, participated in a panel discussion on college affordability in Washington, DC, during the annual meeting of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).

The Jan. 31 panel was led by Zakiya Smith, senior adviser for education at the White House Domestic Policy Council. Additional panelists included Hardin-Simmons University president Lanny Hall and William Peace University president Debra Townsley.

Coming just days after President Barack Obama unveiled proposals to tie federal funds to college affordability, Dowden's remarks focused on cost-saving measures, a 2.5 percent tuition increase and Huntington's loan repayment assistance program for all undergraduates.