Why it matters: The University of the Virgin Islands has brought on new lobbying firepower as Congress debates the future of federal education funding and considers proposals to eliminate the Department of Education entirely. The HBCU’s decision to hire specialized appropriations experts comes amid heightened uncertainty over federal support for higher education institutions, particularly those serving minority and territorial populations.
By the numbers: UVI hired Delta Development Group Inc. for 2025 after cycling through two previous firms in 2023 — Isthmus LLC and Windward Strategies, both of which were terminated within the year. The new team includes Louis P. Roth, who brings extensive experience in budget and appropriations lobbying for educational institutions including Rio Hondo College, Lafayette College, and West Virginia University. Delta Development Group has been active since 2006 and specializes in securing federal resources for public institutions.
The agenda: UVI is lobbying on federal spending and HBCU funding, specifically focusing on “post-graduate education opportunity expansion” and “support for higher education initiatives for HBCUs.” The timing coincides with congressional consideration of the College for All Act of 2025, which explicitly mentions grants for students in the U.S. Virgin Islands and minority-serving institutions. The university is also positioning itself as Congress weighs legislation to strengthen HBCU funding streams.
Between the lines: UVI’s lobbying efforts come as the higher education landscape faces significant upheaval. Recent hearings have highlighted concerns about proposed Pell Grant cuts and elimination of the Department of Education, which would fundamentally alter how federal education funding flows to institutions like UVI. The Sovereign States Education Restoration Act and similar measures propose transferring education programs away from federal oversight — a shift that could particularly impact territorial institutions that rely heavily on federal support. Congressional communications show strong opposition from Democrats to education cuts, while some Republicans push for department elimination.
The bottom line: UVI’s investment in specialized appropriations lobbying reflects the precarious funding environment facing higher education institutions, particularly HBCUs and territorial universities. With Delegate Stacey Plaskett actively engaged in education debates, the university appears to be positioning itself to defend existing funding streams while pursuing new opportunities in an increasingly polarized congressional environment.