The annual conference, hosted by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), will focus on how to forge statewide partnerships to maximize federal investments, including economic recovery funding. Breakout sessions will explore how to expand higher education access and affordability, support opportunities for research and innovation and connect higher education with high schools and workforce needs.

"Sen. Brown understands that to effect positive change all of the right people need to be brought together," McDavis said. "I greatly appreciate Sen. Brown's efforts to bring together Ohio's colleges and universities presidents. The opportunity to collaborate and have a healthy discussion about the policies impacting higher education can only serve to move our state forward in the right direction."

The conference was created in April 2008 to initiate discussion about common goals, needs and opportunities in higher education.

"We must continue to make critical investments in Ohio's higher education system," Brown said. "Ohio presidents can pave the way for rebuilding a secure future for our state and for our next generation. This conference is an integral step in turning Ohio's economy around."

All of Ohio's two- and four-year public and private colleges and university presidents are invited to attend. Also expected to attend are Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), a former U.S. education secretary and college president.

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at The Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C. Interested parties can watch the conference streamed live here. The link will not be active until the start of the conference.

-- Casey Elliott