AGB Launches New Initiative on Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Plans to Offer Suite of Resources, Events, and Publications to Strengthen Board Governance
AGB has launched a new initiative on justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JDE&I). The JDE&I Initiative will play a central role in AGB’s evolving efforts to support governing boards in becoming more thoughtful and strategic, a transformation that must occur if these boards are to surmount short- and long-term challenges ranging from the coronavirus pandemic to public calls to rectify racial injustice.
AGB will develop new services, publications, and gatherings focused on promoting JDE&I both at the board level and throughout campus communities. These themes will be major subjects at the upcoming Foundation Leadership Forum (January 25–27, 2021) and the National Conference on Trusteeship (April 12–14, 2021). Shaun Harper, provost professor of management and organization at the University Southern California and president of the American Educational Research Association, will deliver the national conference’s keynote session, “Govern for Racial Equity: A Challenge for Boards.”
“I see this initiative as critical to every facet of our work,” said Henry Stoever, AGB president and CEO. “We want boards to remain focused on success for all students that enroll in their institutions, and that could prove impossible if they don’t recognize the importance of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Boards that don’t prioritize JDE&I at the highest levels will find themselves mired in challenges that could have benefited from diverse perspectives and innovative proposals to address concerns.”
New FAQs Feature on AGB Website
AGB is excited to announce the release of its revitalized FAQs feature on AGB. org. These new, easy-to-consume FAQs answer our member’s most pressing questions across a variety of content focuses. The growing archive features key questions on topics ranging from governance basics for all institutions and board orientation to questions related to presidential contracts and the principles of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Welcome New AGB Members
AGB welcomes new members that have joined since October 17, 2020.
Ameritech College of Healthcare
Aspen University Bethel College
Florida International University Foundation
Hamad Bin Khalifa University New Jersey Institute for Islamic & Arabic Studies/Manara Institute
Stillman College
Tennessee Technological University Foundation
The Lander Foundation & Alumni Association
University of Puerto Rico-Central Administration
Western Washington University Foundation
*This list is accurate as of December 4, 2020.
Recent AGB Podcasts
Board Leadership for Racial Justice
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Board General Counsel and Secretary David Fine discusses the work behind the Committee on Sustainable Racial Justice with trustees Mario Carrera and Albus Brooks, the board members who called for the formation of this committee.
AGB.org/podcast/board-leadership-racial-justice/
Innovative Foundations
AGB recently released The New Realities for Public Higher Education Foundations. Former AGB President and CEO Richard D. Legon edited the book and in this podcast, interviews Gretchen Buhlig, CEO of the Arizona State University Foundation and author of the New Realities chapter, “The Innovative Foundation.”
AGB.org/podcast/innovative-foundations/
New AGB Book on Fundraising Campaigns
AGB will be releasing its newest book in late January 2021.
Fundraising Campaigns in Higher Education
Edited by John Lippincott and Thomas J. Mitchell
Philanthropy has always played a significant role in American higher education—never more so than today. Major fundraising campaigns do more than raise money: They offer an impetus for focused review of the institutional mission and vision. They serve as a platform for innovation and a rallying point for cross-campus collaboration. They also create opportunities to reinforce the institution’s reputation, articulate its aspirations, and expand its circle of friends.
This book is designed to provide board members with a grounding in the basic principles of fundraising campaigns. It is organized to reflect the stages of a campaign, with the intent to prepare governing and foundation board members to provide the strategic oversight and support essential to success. Many of the chapters also describe the specific roles that board members may play in a campaign: leading by example, encouraging others to give, opening doors to prospective donors, and sharing the campaign story within spheres of influence.
The book will be comarketed by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Merger and Affiliation Engagements Are in Demand for AGB Consulting
AGB Consulting’s Mergers and Affiliations practice area has already assisted more than 25 institutions this year with their efforts to merge, affiliate, close, or consolidate. Since July 1, 2020, AGB Consulting has completed five and has six active engagements for mergers and affiliations.
Upcoming Events
Retreat for Board Chairs and Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities
January 11, 2021 Virtual
https://agb.org/events/institutes/retreat-for-board-chairs-and-presidents-of-independent-colleges-and-universities-jan-2021/
Ask the Expert: Strategic Innovation and Academic Program Review
January 19, 2021 Virtual
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZIkc-GurDojH9STOieo5MRTHVbnb_dFaK5J
2021 Foundation Leadership Forum
January 25–27, 2021 Virtual Conference
https://agb.org/events/foundation-leadership-forum-2021/
See AGB.org/events
AGB Tweets!
Keep up to date with what is new and exciting in the world of governance. Follow us on Twitter!
President Henry Stoever @henrystoever AGB @AGBInsights
Need Help Managing Institutional Decisions?
Navigating complex or difficult discussions and decisions, like how to achieve transformational change, implement a financial turnaround, or capitalize on merger, affiliation, or partnership opportunities, often requires external expertise and support. Reach out to our AGB Consulting team with any questions or to discuss how we can support you in the areas of financial sustainability, innovation, strategic and transformational planning, merger and affiliation strategy, and more. Consider joining us for a free webinar, an Ask the Expert virtual session, or a complementary One- Hour Governance Review to understand your specific needs. For more information, contact consulting@AGB.org.
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