AGB President & CEO Update: Preparing for Change

You are viewing the Institution and Systems version of this CEO Update. An Institutionally Related Foundation version is also available.

Shifting federal and state policies, unpredictable funding streams, heightened student activism, and increased public scrutiny are reshaping the higher education operating environment. Scenario planning and strategic advocacy are not optional—they are essential. Higher education leaders must navigate the uncertainty with bold, values-driven leadership. It’s a moment that calls not only for preparing for the “what ifs” but also for standing firmly for “what matters.”

Scenario Planning: A New Imperative

Scenario planning is a fundamental aspect of fiduciary responsibility. Political shifts at both the state and federal levels are introducing unpredictable challenges that threaten institutional autonomy, sustainability, mission alignment, governance structures, and academic independence.

As stewards of mission-driven institutions, board members must uphold their duties of care, loyalty, and obedience by anticipating risks and preparing strategic responses. This includes engaging in forward-thinking, “what if” conversations with presidents to explore the potential impact of funding reductions, immigration policy changes, legislative pressures, and reputational threats.

Scenario Planning Pulse Check—In a recent AGB pulse survey, just over half of respondents (51.86 percent) indicated their boards have engaged in scenario planning to address public policy shifts, with 25.93 percent describing it as an active, ongoing process. However, nearly 40 percent reported either not engaging in such planning or having no current plans to do so, highlighting a significant opportunity for increased board-level preparedness.

Advocacy Beyond the Boardroom

Trustees play an essential role that reaches far beyond the boardroom. Their strategic involvement in advocacy is key to influencing policies that support students, uphold academic integrity, and safeguard institutional autonomy.

By partnering with institutional leaders to engage state policymakers, boards can help advance reforms that align with the mission and values of higher education. This impact is magnified when trustees participate in cross-sector coalitions and joint advocacy efforts, reinforcing the collective voice of colleges and universities.

To serve the public good, boards must not only support but also lead collaborative strategies that elevate the shared value of higher education in society. Additionally, trustees are powerful ambassadors. By sharing genuine stories of their institutions’ student success, alumni influence, and community engagement, they can strengthen public trust and amplify institutional communications.

Key Questions for Boards to Consider

To support scenario planning, consider the following questions:

Has our board evaluated how a potential loss or restructuring of public funding would immediately impact our institution’s operations and strategic priorities?
Do we fully understand the implications of state or federal restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—and how such changes may affect our students, campus climate, and legal standing?
Is our board prepared to respond to changes in immigration policy that would disrupt international enrollment and affect how we serve our broader community?
Is our institution prepared for potential ICE interventions on campus, and do we understand our rights and responsibilities in responding?
What political or reputational risks from external actors—such as elected officials, advocacy groups, or media narratives—could compromise our institutional autonomy or public trust?
Are we equipped to respond to new or emerging threats to our institution’s accreditation or to core academic freedoms, and have we outlined specific strategies for doing so?

To support advocacy efforts, please consider the following questions:

How are board members personally engaging with legislators or policy influencers to advocate for our institution’s priorities?
Do we have a coordinated plan for trustee involvement in public affairs or legislative days, especially during critical budget or policy debates?
How are trustees helping shape the narrative around our institution in the media, civic events, or alumni networks?
Are trustees aware of their role in advocating for shared governance and academic freedom when these principles are challenged by political or external pressures?
What training or resources do we provide to board members to ensure they are effective and confident advocates for our institution?
Are we leveraging trustee expertise and networks to build or strengthen coalitions with other institutions, nonprofits, or industry partners?

Go Deeper

Explore these resources to gain deeper insight into how board-led scenario planning and strategic advocacy foster resilience and uphold institutional mission.

Report: Top Public Policy Issues Facing Governing Boards in 2025–2026
Trusteeship magazine article: “Scenario Planning in Three Modes”
Tool: Safeguarding Institutional Autonomy
Book: Strategic Thinking and Planning in Higher Education
FAQs: Board Advocacy

AGB Policy Alerts

New Executive Orders on Accreditation and Foreign Gift Reporting

The White House recently issued two Executive Orders signaling major changes for higher education governance: one reforming accreditation to prioritize measurable student outcomes and scrutinize DEI standards, and another expanding disclosure and enforcement requirements around foreign gifts to universities. Both actions raise the stakes for federal funding and increase legal and strategic risks.

House Education and Workforce Committee Reconciliation Package

The House Education and Workforce Committee has advanced a budget reconciliation package that would significantly reform federal student aid, institutional accountability, and education regulations. Based on the College Cost Reduction Act, the legislation aims to cut federal spending and limit the Department of Education’s role, with major implications for governance, enrollment, and financial aid administration.

AGB is closely monitoring these developments and has published new policy alerts to help board members understand what’s changing and how to respond:

AGB Leads National Call to Reaffirm and Uphold the Independence of Higher Education Governance

AGB is spearheading a national initiative to reaffirm the independence of higher education governance, warning against escalating political interference that threatens institutional autonomy, academic excellence, and democratic values. Rooted in the foundational principles established by Dartmouth College v. Woodward, AGB is urging presidents, chief executives, chancellors, and board chairs to stand united in defending board independence and rejecting undue influences that compromise fiduciary responsibility and mission integrity.

In Case You Missed It—AGB Joins Effort Defending the Integrity of Federal Research Funding

AGB is proud to stand alongside the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and a coalition of leading higher education associations in defending the transparency and stability of federal research grant processes. As a signatory on an amicus brief in Massachusetts et al. v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., et al., AGB affirms that abrupt or unexplained termination of research funding undermines more than individual projects—it threatens the infrastructure of innovation and discovery that governing boards are charged with protecting.

As fiduciaries, board members must advocate for research environments that are legally sound, financially stable, and committed to the public good. We thank the AAMC and our peer associations for championing this vital cause.

The Prospect of Consent Decrees—A Warning Sign for Governance

I recently wrote an opinion piece for Inside Higher Education, cautioning that the mere prospect of a consent decree at Columbia University is a flashing warning sign for trustees of higher education institutions across the country.

The piece emphasizes that independent governing boards are essential to safeguarding academic freedom, upholding institutional missions, and ensuring responsible, mission-driven leadership.

Trustees must:

Reaffirm fiduciary duties amid political pressure.
Seek independent legal and governance counsel.
Insist on clear, limited, and transparent terms in any negotiations.
Speak with a unified voice to defend governance independence.

The erosion of board autonomy doesn’t just threaten governance structures—it jeopardizes the trust, freedom, credibility, and sustainability of our institutions. This moment demands clarity, courage, and collective resolve from governing boards across the nation.

AGB Is Here to Help

AGB is your partner in navigating today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities with expert training on fiduciary responsibilities, strategic decision-making, and governance excellence. If you’re seeking direction or you have questions, please don’t hesitate to connect—we’re ready to support you.

Thank you for your membership and for all you do to support higher education.

Ross Mugler
AGB Board Chair and Acting President and CEO