Born and raised in Southampton, New York, Timothy H. Bishop is among the 12th generation of Bishops to live in Southampton. He served for 29 years at Southampton College, leaving the position of Provost in 2002 to make his first-ever run for office, when he was elected to represent New York's 1st Congressional District.

Bishop's priorities include protecting the environment, improving college affordability for middle-class families and giving first responders the resources they need to protect our communities.

In Congress, Bishop serves on the powerful Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he is working to reduce congestion on Eastern Long Island. He also serves on the Education and the Workforce Committee where he is continuing his lifelong mission of increasing opportunity through education and supporting Long Island's working families.

Bishop began working at Southampton College in 1973 as an admissions counselor and rose rapidly through the ranks. During his 29 years at the College, he served in administrative positions touching almost every aspect of college life, from institutional research and planning, to financial aid and enrollment services, student activities, personnel, community relations and fundraising. He served as Director of Financial Aid, Assistant Director of Admissions, Registrar, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Dean for Enrollment Services, and Dean for Administrative and Student Services.

Born on June 1, 1950, Bishop attended Sacred Heart's School in Southampton and graduated from Southampton High School in 1968. He holds an AB in History from Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, and he earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Long Island University in 1981.

He was chair of the Scholarship Committee for the Southampton Rotary Club, chair of the Southampton Town Board of Ethics, a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreation Center, and a board member of the Eastern Long Island Coastal Conservation Alliance. He has received numerous awards and accolades from the students and staff of the College including the Student Government Association's Outstanding Service Award. Four times the senior class honored him with an outstanding service award.

He and his wife Kathryn, founder and director of The Children's School Early Childhood program at Southampton College, have two daughters, Molly and Meghan.

Rep. Timothy Bishop's Official Website

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Typical student loan debt has nearly doubled to $17,000. (CNN)