A new study examining four public colleges and universities reveals how governing boards can move beyond traditional oversight to actively advance student success, particularly for underrepresented populations.
The former University of Virginia president who resigned abruptly in June accused the board of being dishonest about the circumstances of his exit and complicit in his ouster.
In a blistering letter to University of Virginia faculty, its former president alleged that Justice Department officials disliked him personally and wanted him removed — or else the department would “rain hell on UVA.”

WASHINGTON, DC (October 3, 2025)—Governing boards must act as fiduciaries for their institutions, not extensions of political parties or federal agencies.
In early October, the Trump administration sent letters to nine universities urging them to pledge support for key administrative priorities in exchange for access to benefits like federal funding and visa approvals, outlined in a document called “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.”
As we watch unprecedented attacks on the autonomy and independence of American higher education, it’s tempting to think this is something new…
IOWA CITY — With a growing chorus of constituents urging Iowa’s Board of Regents to either sign or reject the Trump administration’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” a board spokesman confirmed, “We are reviewing the compact.”
It was not a given that the proffered Trump “compact” for colleges would be dead on arrival. When the administration offered its “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” to nine universities earlier this month, it was the latest volley in a long campaign to bring higher education to heel.


