WASHINGTON, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Congressman and president and chief executive officer of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) Steve Gunderson today issued the following statement in response to the White House's announcement of a new Executive Order on veteran education:

"America's private sector colleges and universities have long taken great pride in serving our nation's military personnel.  Today, over 230,000 veterans, spouses, and their dependents have chosen to continue their education on the Post-9/11 GI Bill at our institutions.  Two-thirds of the active-duty military and two-thirds of their spouses and dependents have also chosen to pursue their education through our institutions because we offer focused academic delivery and flexible scheduling that meets their individual needs. 

"The fact is that the vast majority of private sector schools provide curriculum and training that prepares our men and women in uniform for successful careers in civilian life.  We are committed to veterans and their education, and for this reason we joined with veterans service organizations in a letter to Congress for programs enhancing pre-academic counseling, and the development of a vehicle for individual complaints or concerns by veteran students. 

"APSCU is disappointed that in the midst of these discussions, the President decided to bypass the Congress to address these issues with an Executive Order.  Career-oriented institutions proudly serve military and veteran populations, and work with Congressional leaders in a bipartisan manner to address concerns about veteran education across all sectors of higher education.  

"Despite today's deeply unfortunate development, private sector schools remain committed to continuing to work with the White House, Congress and veteran service organizations toward the improvement of military- and veteran-education, and will continue to focus on preparing students to enter and succeed in the 21st Century workforce."

SOURCE Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU)