AGB President & CEO Update: Governance Under Pressure

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In this moment of profound disruption and political intensity, the governance of our colleges and universities faces a fundamental test. Across the country, higher education boards are being called upon to navigate polarized environments, legislative overreach, attacks on academic freedom, and growing public scrutiny. These challenges come on top of existing pressures related to demographic shifts, financial sustainability, and evolving workforce demands.

In recent updates, we have reflected on the essential nature of fiduciary duty and the strategic value of scenario planning and advocacy. This month, we turn our attention to the practical and moral imperative of governing with integrity and courage in polarized times. Effective governance requires more than strategic insight—it demands clarity of mission, principled decision-making, and the resilience to lead amid uncertainty and conflict.

Boards must rise to this challenge—not by retreating from controversy, but by anchoring their leadership in the core values of higher education: intellectual freedom, student opportunity, institutional autonomy, and the public good.

The Current Landscape: Why Governance Is Being Tested

Legislative and political forces are increasingly asserting influence over campus governance, curriculum decisions, and institutional priorities—challenging the long-standing autonomy of colleges and universities. At the same time, polarization around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), free speech, and institutional identity has escalated, placing boards at the center of contentious public debates. As these pressures mount, institutions are also confronting serious financial vulnerabilities and reputational risks, all under the watchful eye of a media landscape that demands immediate accountability and transparency.

Leading with Conviction and Integrity

Fiduciary responsibility is more than a legal requirement—it must become a moral compass, guiding trustees to protect mission integrity and long-term resilience. This means standing firm in support of institutional values, defending academic freedom, and stewarding strategic priorities with foresight and discipline.

The Board’s Critical Role in Polarized Times

Board independence is more vital than ever, but it cannot come at the cost of isolation. Trustees must engage constructively with external stakeholders while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and management. Navigating these tensions demands discernment, unity, and the courage to act—not just as overseers of compliance, but as champions of principle and purpose.

Strategies for Stronger Board Leadership

The following strategies offer a blueprint for boards to lead with unity, resilience, and strategic clarity in the face of external challenges.

• Emphasize Clarity of Purpose: Align board decisions with long-term mission and student success.
• Promote Internal Unity and Culture: Cultivate mutual trust, diverse perspectives, and disciplined deliberation.
• Improve Board Development: Train trustees to navigate political pressures and media scrutiny.
• Build Presidential Support: Ensure strong board-president alignment in times of external challenge.

Scenario Thinking in Action

Boards across the country are confronting complex and escalating challenges—from political interference in academic affairs to reputational fallout from campus controversies and internal conflict over institutional direction. Adding to this landscape of uncertainty is the potential loss of federal funding for higher education institutions, as proposed in the president’s budget and the budget reconciliation bill. In response, the most effective governing boards are turning to scenario planning, proactive stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven principles to assess risks, anticipate change, and make values-aligned decisions that safeguard institutional resilience.

Policy Advocacy with Integrity

Boards must also not shy away from advocacy when core principles such as institutional autonomy, access, and equity are at stake. By engaging in nonpartisan, mission-aligned public discourse and collaborating with associations and coalitions, boards can amplify their voice and protect the values that define higher education. Boards can accomplish these goals by:

• Speaking up when policy proposals threaten autonomy, access, or equity.
• Staying true to principles for engaging in public discourse without partisanship.
• Partnering with associations and coalitions to amplify impact.

Go Deeper

Explore these resources to gain deeper insight into how effective governance and advocacy can foster resilience and uphold institutional mission:

• AGB Policy Alert: Act Now—Budget Reconciliation Bill Impacting Higher Education Could Be Finalized by July 4
• Updated Report: Top Public Policy Issues Facing Governing Boards in 2025–2026
• Trusteeship Magazine Article: “A Commitment to Governance”
• Toolkit: Safeguarding Institutional Autonomy: A Tool for Boards Facing Political Interference
• Book: An Anatomy of Good Board Governance in Higher Education
• Blog Post: “Preparing for Change”

The Courage to Lead

This is not a time for retreat or caution; it is a defining opportunity for transformative leadership. Boards must lead with principle and foresight, supporting mission clarity while navigating external pressures. At AGB, we are committed to equipping boards with the tools and insights needed to lead with integrity and vision.

Thank you for your dedication to higher education governance.