AGB President & CEO Update: Higher Education Boards Preparing for Change (Foundation)

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As I write this update, I am marking my third month as president and CEO of AGB. In this brief time, my belief in the essential vitality of higher education and the necessity of excellence in its board governance has been reaffirmed again and again. Whether in conversations with AGB members, association colleagues, or journalists covering our industry, what I hear most often is “What we do is so important to our economy, our democracy, and our country. How can we do it better?”

The fundamental question has become even more important as we face the uncertainty of the next several months. The outcome of the recent election has raised many questions about the possible policy priorities of the second Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress. Regardless of your party or political persuasion, change is on the way, and we must be prepared.

What We Know

Both presidential candidates referenced higher education numerous times on the campaign trail. Some of President-elect Trump’s focus was on revamping the accreditation process, reversing Biden administration changes to Title IX, and establishing a free, national, online university. Additionally, he has pledged to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and return education policy to the states. Congress is likely to revive legislation that would impose taxes on higher education endowments. It is unclear at this time whether these proposals will happen and if they do, how they would impact higher education.

As we wait to learn more about President-elect Trump’s personnel choices and policy priorities, I recommend two stories from the higher education trade press. I was pleased that David Jesse of the Chronicle of Higher Education asked me to share my thoughts, pre-election, on what a second Trump administration might bring. That story is here. I found this post-election piece from Inside Higher Ed very interesting as well.

Why It Matters

While it may take some time for the Trump administration’s agenda to take shape, that is no reason to sit back or wait. Instead, we will be working with our colleagues at higher education associations across Washington, DC, to reaffirm the value of higher education and to position the sector to make a powerful case for continued support from a wide array of constituencies. As you interact, both personally and professionally, with individuals in your community, we encourage you to continue your vital work as an ambassador for your institution and the higher education enterprise writ large. We at AGB will continue to focus on the essential and strategic issues of board independence and leadership, student success and well-being, business model innovation and digital transformation, and leadership succession and support as we engage with the new administration. Nor will we shy away from our commitments to academic freedom, freedom of speech, and educational equity. We encourage all in higher education to do the same.

Go Deeper

• Book: Top Strategic Issues for Boards 2024–2025
• Video: The Supreme Court Chevron Deference Decision: Implications for Higher Education
• Podcast: Higher Education and the 2024 Election
• Conference: Register to attend the AGB 2025 Foundation Leadership Forum in January in Washington, DC.

On a separate but important note, we at AGB are embarking on an association-wide strategic planning process. Thank you to all stakeholders who participated in our strategic planning survey. Your input is critical. You will hear more about the project as we synthesize stakeholder input and develop the strategic plan, which will take effect July 1, 2025.

If your foundation is beginning its own strategic planning process, I encourage you to consider these key questions:

Mission and Core Values

• Is there a consensus among institution and foundation leaders about their partnership and the ways the foundation will support the priorities of the institution?
• Does our foundation have a strategic plan aligned with our core mission and values and the strategic priorities of the institution?

Stakeholder Engagement

• Who are the key stakeholders we need to engage in this process?
• How can we best gather diverse insights from these stakeholders to enhance the strategic plan?
• What steps can we take to foster buy-in from those responsible for implementing the plan?

Leadership and Support

• How can the CEO and other foundation staff effectively lead the strategic planning process while allowing input from the board and other stakeholders
• What role should each board member play to support the CEO in this effort?

Resource Allocation

• Are our financial, human, and other resources aligned with the strategic goals we are setting?
• What budgetary or fundraising adjustments might be needed to support the plan?
• How will we ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements during this process?

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation

• What are the major risks facing our foundation, and how will these affect our strategic planning?
• What tools and measures can we implement to mitigate these risks?
• Are we prepared to make adjustments if unexpected challenges arise during implementation?

Monitoring and Evaluation

• What specific metrics and tools will we use to measure progress toward our strategic goals?
• How will we implement an early warning system to detect any significant deviations from the plan?
• How frequently will we review and assess progress, and who will be responsible for this?

Communication and Transparency

• How will we communicate the strategic planning process to stakeholders?
• What measures will we put in place to ensure transparency throughout the process?
• How will we keep stakeholders informed about the progress and results of the plan’s implementation?

These questions can help guide the board in creating a strategic plan that is aligned, inclusive, and adaptable to changes.

As we reach the end of the semester and the calendar year, I want to thank you for your warm welcome as I have stepped into my role. It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve AGB’s membership. You are amazing and impactful. Please don’t forget that. I look forward to connecting with you in the year ahead. In the meantime, best wishes for a restful and restorative holiday season and thank you for your continued support of AGB.

Until next month,

Fram Virjee
President and CEO, AGB