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You are viewing the Institution and Systems version of this CEO Update. An Institutionally Related Foundation version is also available.
Higher education leadership has never been more challenging or more essential. Presidents, board chairs, and board members are navigating shrinking budgets, shifting demographics, political polarization, and growing public skepticism about the value of higher education. Against this backdrop, one factor consistently determines whether institutions thrive or falter: the strength of the relationship between the president, board chair, and board.
During my years as a trustee, I worked with three different presidents. Those experiences reinforced a fundamental truth: alignment between the president and the board is critical. When alignment exists, institutions advance their missions with clarity and momentum. When it breaks down, the entire institution feels the consequences.
Governance as the Foundation of Success
Strong governance is more than a compliance exercise; it is the foundation for institutional resilience and long-term success. For presidents, this means cultivating a partnership with the board chair and the board built on trust, respect, and open communication. For board members, it means embracing their fiduciary duties:
- Duty of Care: Prepare thoroughly and engage meaningfully.
- Duty of Loyalty: Act in good faith, speak with one voice, and avoid undermining institutional trust.
- Duty of Obedience: Ensure actions are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the institution.
Understanding role clarity is incredibly important. Boards govern and presidents manage. When each partner knows their lane, institutions can focus on big-picture strategy, generative thinking, and mission advancement—not micromanagement.
Why This Matters Now
It is no secret that board independence and institutional autonomy are under increasing ideological pressures. Federal and state policy debates, funding challenges, and increasing political scrutiny require that governing boards and presidents be aligned, strategic, and, most importantly, mission-driven.
Doubling down on effective governance principles is not optional; it is essential. Institutions that thrive will be those where presidents and boards understand their shared responsibilities, respect their distinct roles, and work together to lead with courage and focus.
AGB Resources
Effective governance depends on a strong, trust-based partnership among the president, board chair, and the full board. This triad forms the foundation of institutional stability, strategic leadership, and mission-driven decision-making. AGB exists to help you build and sustain these essential relationships. We offer a range of programming and resources to help strengthen these critical relationships and work in concert to advance the institution.
- Institute for Board Chairs and Presidents: An intensive institute that provides presidents and board chairs with the time, space, and structured guidance to strengthen their partnership, clarify roles, align around strategy, and return to campus with a stronger foundation for shared governance and institutional success.
- Board Chair-President Relations: Strong and Balanced, but Not Exclusive: A blog post that encourages broader engagement beyond the top two roles.
- The Importance of Communication Between Board Chairs and Presidents: Tips for building trust through consistent dialogue.
- Anatomy of Good Board Governance in Higher Education: A practical framework to assess and elevate board effectiveness.
- Board Workshops and Retreats: Facilitated sessions designed to strengthen the relationship between the president, board chair, and board through shared learning, open dialogue, and trust building.
- A President’s Guide to Effective Board Leadership: Proven strategies to engage and empower your board.
- Board Chair-Presidential Relations (FAQs): Quick insights into one of the most critical leadership dynamics.
As you reflect on your own leadership and governance practices this fall, I encourage you to ask: How aligned are we as a leadership team? Are we modeling the trust, clarity, and accountability our students, faculty, and communities expect of us?
AGB is here to support you in that work. Together, we can ensure that our institutions not only endure but thrive in service to higher education and the public good.
