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Recent developments at the University of Virginia have drawn national attention and renewed concern about the growing pressures facing higher education leaders and institutions. While the circumstances surrounding this leadership transition are still unfolding, they speak to a broader and increasingly urgent reality: the governance of our colleges and universities is being tested in unprecedented ways.
At AGB, we believe it is not enough to simply issue statements in moments of controversy. Our role and responsibility are to equip and empower governing boards and institutional leaders with guidance that helps them navigate complexity with integrity and foresight.
To that end, we are issuing the following call to action:
1. Reaffirm Your Board’s Commitment to Institutional Autonomy and Governance Integrity
Now is the time to revisit and, where appropriate, formally affirm your board’s commitment to institutional independence. AGB’s Sample Board Resolution Affirming Commitment to Institutional Autonomy and Board Independence provides a strong foundation for this effort.
2. Strengthen Board-Presidential Alignment and Governance Protocols
Boards and presidents must stand united in the face of politicization and external interference. We urge governing boards to proactively engage with their presidents to ensure open communication, mutual trust, and a shared understanding of institutional values and vulnerabilities.
It is equally critical that board members understand and adhere to governance protocols that preserve institutional integrity. Individual trustees do not hold authority to act or speak on behalf of the board unless expressly authorized. This includes engagement with public officials, government agencies, and media. Such outreach must occur through board-approved processes, in collaboration with institutional leadership, and in accordance with the board’s fiduciary responsibilities. Bypassing these protocols undermines governance cohesion, presidential leadership, and public trust.
3. Take Immediate Steps to Assess Risk and Build Resilience
We recommend that boards conduct a targeted review of potential vulnerabilities, including:
- Crisis response protocols.
- Alignment of public narrative between leadership and the board.
- Board education on fiduciary duty, political pressures, and misinformation.
These actions are not reactive—they are proactive steps toward safeguarding higher education’s mission and preserving institutional autonomy and leadership continuity.
For over a century, AGB has defined and championed leading governance practices of U.S. higher education. In today’s uncharted landscape, we are committed to helping you apply the proven principles that have shaped and sustained our unrivaled higher education system. Please do not hesitate to reach out to membership@agb.org for support.
With appreciation for your leadership,
Ross
Ross Mugler
AGB Board Chair and Acting President and CEO