Table of Contents

Cover Story

Running Toward the Fire
By R. Barbara Gitenstein

Leading a college often requires a president to deal with crises—sometimes many crises at once (or in quick succession). College leaders must navigate crises with grace; this requires communication with the board of trustees as well as other stakeholders. With the variety of crises facing higher education today, understanding crisis management—and crisis preparation—is paramount for both college presidents and trustees.

Features

Getting Into the Advocacy Game
By Kristin Hanson

Engaging board members with advocacy can be a way to increase involvement among boards and help them become advocates of the institutionally related foundations and institutions they serve. With federal and state funding for higher education more tenuous than ever, board members can help advocate for their campuses and systems with elected officials to help them better understand how their institution and foundation benefits local citizens.

Boards That Went Above and Beyond: The 2024–2025 Nason Award Recipients
By Christopher Connell

The AGB John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership is an honor reserved for inspirational institutional and foundation boards. Oftentimes, these boards have overcome challenges and have success stories to share as a result. This year, three university boards and two foundation boards received this accolade.

Departments and Columns

On My Agenda
Higher Education as a Strategic Asset in a Disrupted Landscape
By Mary A. Papazian

News in Brief
A Sampling of National Higher Education News

Inside AGB

Legal Standpoint
The Relevance of Institutional Neutrality
By David Fine

In Practice
The Decision Ready Board
By William A. Laramee and David Greenfield

Foundations of Consequence
Innovations in Campaigns: A Blended Approach
By Robert J. Nava

Focus on the Presidency
Time Is Now Our Most Important Asset
By Mark L. Putnam

From the Board Chair
On Board Chair Leadership
By Victoria E. Fimea

Forum
A Modern Approach to Academic Rank and Tenure
By William M. Donaldson

A Question For
How Can Boards Help Improve Student Success?
An interview with Sara Goldrick-Rab

Cover Image Credit: ADOBE.STOCK.COM / MATSIASH