Chat with AGB Board BotBecome an advocate for higher education.
Board members bring stature, credibility, and deep community relationships to the table. They are civic and business leaders, employers, donors, and respected voices who understand the value their institutions bring to their states. Their networks often reach chambers of commerce, industry associations, and elected officials across the political spectrum. These relationships matter. And this moment calls for leveraging them.
As stewards of mission and strategy, advocacy is part of the fiduciary duty of board members, advocating not only for their institution but for the strength and sustainability of the higher education ecosystem that supports their state’s economic vitality, workforce development, research competitiveness, and social mobility.
Access tools and resources to boost your advocacy efforts.
AGB’s Engaging Governing Board Members as Strategic Advocates and Engaging Foundation Board Members as Strategic Advocates offer practical guidance on involving board members in the advocacy strategy of an institution or foundation.
Explore more tools and resources to amplify your advocacy.
Why College Matters Toolkit helps board members communicate the value of higher education to policymakers and the public.
NACUBO’s resources provide state-level financial, demographic, and policy data that strengthen the economic case for higher education.
ACE’s Economic Indicator Tool offers data on the broad economic contributions of higher education in every state.
AGB’s Govern Now Initiative provides strategies and actionable tools to empower fiduciary boards to uphold institutional autonomy and safeguard academic freedom and free speech.
Strengthen advocacy efforts by engaging with key organizations.
Engaging with national advocacy groups and coalitions significantly expands the reach and impact of higher education advocacy. These organizations bring established networks, policy expertise, and coordinated strategies that help amplify shared priorities and elevate them in state and national conversations. By engaging with these groups, advocates gain access to valuable insights, reinforce the clarity and consistency of their messaging, and help build a more unified, effective voice for higher education.
The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF)—This national network brings together business leaders, presidents, chancellors, and provosts to align education and workforce strategies. Organizations like BHEF often foster strong state-level partnerships between business and higher education—frequently through state chambers of commerce—creating valuable opportunities for board members to collaborate with business leaders on shared policy priorities.
Advocacy Groups for Higher Education—AGB has compiled a list of coalitions and advocacy organizations dedicated to championing the future of higher education. These groups offer meaningful avenues for individuals to lend their voices, engage in collective action, and support initiatives that strengthen institutions and promote student success.
