2025 National Conference on Trusteeship: Schedule

What makes a board retreat an unparalleled opportunity for growth and innovation? This session will dive into actionable strategies and real-world examples to design intentional, collaborative, and highly productive retreats. Learn how to strengthen your board’s capacity to engage deeply with your institution’s most pressing strategic priorities and emerge with renewed focus, alignment, and purpose.

Speaker:
Barbara Gitenstein, president emerita, The College of New Jersey; consultant and senior fellow, AGB

Higher education institutions are stepping up as leaders in environmental sustainability. This session will explore the growing trend of appointing a chief sustainability officer (CSO) as a cabinet-level position to champion these efforts. The session will focus on the important presence of a dedicated sustainability leader to ensure impactful initiatives. Discover why the CSO role is becoming indispensable for institutions aiming to lead in sustainability as the urgency of climate change intensifies.

Speakers:
Kim Bobby, principal, AGB Search
Monica Burton, principal, AGB Search

The long-anticipated decline in traditional college-age populations is finally in effect. What does this mean for your board’s strategic oversight and decision-making? This session, led by the nation’s foremost expert on demographic trends, will offer an in-depth look at what’s happening now, what lies ahead, and how institutions are responding. Explore strategies to help your institution adapt, innovate, and thrive in this changing landscape.

Speaker:
Nathan Grawe, professor of economics, Carleton College; author, Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education and The Agile College

A pioneering president is defined broadly as anyone who is the first of their identity to hold the office. Boards play a special role in recruiting, announcing, and supporting pioneers in preparing campus constituents to embrace change, which often leads to lengthier and more productive presidential tenures. Attend this session and learn ways to assess and improve campus readiness for a pioneering president, the specific challenges pioneers face and how to turn them into strategic advantages for the institution, and specific strategies for supporting presidential resilience and success.

In our politically divided nation, the concept of institutional neutrality has become a pivotal yet polarizing topic for boards. What does institutional neutrality entail in practice?  Is true institutional neutrality practical or even workable? This session will delve into the implications of adopting a neutrality or other communications policy. Panelists will engage with key questions, including:

• What issues and values must a board consider when debating whether to adopt a neutrality or other communications policy?
• How can boards/institutions discern when a direct institutional statement is necessary?
• When are statements warranted and who should issue them to ensure alignment with the institution’s voice and authority?

Speakers will explore frameworks for navigating these complex decisions so boards can assess the balance between neutrality and response to the challenges of the moment while ensuring alignment with the institution’s mission.

Digital transformation is reshaping higher education, creating new opportunities to enhance student success and institutional effectiveness. This session will clarify how the board can align resources strategically to better leverage data, predictive analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. Tailored insights will address the unique challenges and opportunities for different types of institutions, ensuring boards are prepared to guide and support transformative innovation effectively.

Speakers:
Amy Hilbelink, former president, Pittsburgh/Online at South College; consultant, AGB
Joe Sallustio, co-founder and host, The EdUp Experience Podcast; vice president, industry engagement, Ellucian; subject matter specialist, AGB

This session will explore how the executive or evaluation committee of the board can effectively integrate 360-degree feedback into performance expectations for both the president and the board. By embracing this holistic approach, boards can foster stronger leadership, enhance accountability, and drive continuous improvement in governance practices. Attendees will gain actionable insights and strategies for implementing 360-degree feedback.

Speakers:
Mark Heckler, president emeritus, Valparaiso University; trustee, Elizabethtown College; consultant, AGB
Alvin Schexnider, former chancellor, Winston-Salem State University; senior consultant and senior fellow, AGB

What are boards getting right in fulfilling their role in achieving the goals set for their institutions for access, completion, and success beyond college? Learn about the key aspects of the “Governing Board Policies to Improve Postsecondary Value” project and hear about the early findings and emerging themes from in-depth case studies from very different institutions that might be useful for your board. During this session, we will invite participants to share their experiences with board policies and practices that have moved the needle on student success and ask for input on state and federal policies that aid or impede board work.

This session will contribute to a report AGB will publish in 2025 for this Gates Foundation project.

Moderator:
Mary Papazian, executive vice president, AGB; former president, San Jose State University; former president, Southern Connecticut State University; trustee, American Public University System

Speakers:
Kemal M. Atkins, trustee, San Francisco Bay University; former vice president, Keene State College and Delaware State University; consultant, AGB
Merrill P. Schwartz, co-author, Assessing Board Performance (AGB, 2018); former senior vice president for content and program strategy, AGB; consultant and senior fellow, AGB

Fresh expectations for board leadership are fast emerging in response to massive disruption in virtually every aspect of higher education. To enable colleges, universities, and systems to operate effectively in this new and uncertain era, governing boards must change the way they assert leadership. This session will explore the strategic imperative for boards to adapt their leadership practices to ensure institutions can operate effectively and sustainably amid rapid change.

Speakers:
Terry MacTaggart, former chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Superior, Minnesota State University System, and University of Maine System; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Marty Guay, chair, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents
Cynthia D. Shapira, chair, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors; vice-chair, Brandeis University Board of Trustees; member, AGB Board of Directors

This session will delve into the pivotal role of effective governance in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as they strive for elevated status, capabilities, and academic standing. The session will explore how robust leadership and governance structures can propel HBCUs forward.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, upcoming changes in accreditation policies are poised to redefine how institutions operate and uphold their missions. This session will explore the board’s role in aligning governance with the emerging accreditation requirements to ensure institutional resilience and accountability.

Speakers:
David Maxwell, president emeritus, Drake University; former chair, Council on Higher Education Accreditation; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Barbara Gellman-Danley, president, Higher Learning Commission

This results-oriented session will explore how Adrian College’s College of the Future model has led to its strongest-ever financial and strategic position and how its blueprint can help other forward-thinking institutions build a sustainable future. Since 2020, Adrian’s use of program sharing has increased net tuition revenue, decreased instructional costs while raising faculty salaries, and improved retention by investing in student outcomes. This session, in collaboration with Rize Education, will explore three key uses of program sharing, as well as change management lessons for other higher education leaders:

• Growing enrollment by expanding majors and minors
• Reducing costs in existing programs while reinvesting into existing faculty
• Improving retention and student outcomes

Speakers:
Jeffrey Docking, president, Adrian College
Patrick Farver, chair, Adrian College Board of Trustees
Charlie Anastasi, vice president of partnerships and revenue, Rize Education

This session will address the essential responsibility of governing boards to protect their independence. Too many boards have faced governance crises as well as new policies that put this primary fiduciary standard at risk. The session will offer a freewheeling conversation about the significance of protecting board independence and the board governance standards that regional accrediting bodies consider when reviewing institution accreditation. The speakers will discuss AGB’s governance review process, designed to help ensure that a board and its members are meeting fiduciary standards and protecting their independence. Input from attendees will be welcome throughout the session.

Speakers:
Rick Legon, former AGB president; author, Margin of Excellence (AGB, 2005) and The New Realities for Public Higher Education Foundations (AGB, 2020); former trustee, Spelman College, Virginia State University, and University of Charleston; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Heather Perfetti, president, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

This session will explore the merger between Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University. Learn how this collaboration addressed health disparities, expanded educational opportunities, and leveraged partnerships to meet regional healthcare needs. Gain practical insights from this case study to guide institutional change and strategic alignment.

Speakers:
Ross Mugler, chair, AGB Board of Directors
Brian O. Hemphill, president, Old Dominion University

Survey data indicate that the responsibilities of institutional chief business officers (CBOs) are expanding and becoming increasingly critical, including fostering more collaborative relationships with their governing boards. This essential discussion will explore the current and future landscape of higher education financing and strategies for managing financial risks. In addition, the speaker will highlight best practices for building a successful and sustainable partnership between the board and the CBO.

Speaker:
Kara Freeman, chief executive officer, National Association of College and University Business Officers

Consortial boards differ significantly from traditional campus governing boards, requiring a unique approach to leadership and governance. While they share a focus on higher education, consortial boards face distinct challenges, such as balancing the interests of multiple institutions, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and navigating shared decision-making processes. This panel will delve into these unique aspects of consortial board leadership, highlighting the critical role of board members, the nuances of strategic planning in a collective environment, and the importance of generosity and trust in achieving shared goals.

Speakers:
Sarah Pfatteicher, executive director, Five College Consortium; board member, Association for Collaborative Leadership
Claire Ramsbottom, executive director, Colleges of the Fenway; board member, Association for Collaborative Leadership
Elissa Tenny, president emerita, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Cole Woodcox, executive director, Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges; board member, Association for Collaborative Leadership

American higher education faces a confluence of accelerating trends that demand strategic leadership: shifting demographics; uncertain enrollments; volatile funding; pressures to consolidate, merge, or close campuses; and evolving workforce demands. Public university systems have a unique opportunity to influence these trends for the public good. This session will explore the critical role of public university system governing boards in shaping the future of higher education.

Speakers:
Rob Anderson, president, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)
Kevin Reilly, president emeritus and regent professor, University of Wisconsin System; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Jessica Todtman, interim president, National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) 

Changes in enrollment trends, while varying widely by region and institution type, are poised to reshape the competitive landscape of higher education for all institutions to some extent. Simultaneously, the financial dynamics of higher education are evolving, with endowments playing a critical role in institutions’ ability to remain competitive and adapt to these changes. What role do endowments play in addressing shifting trends in higher education, and how can they be strategically leveraged to support long-term sustainability and innovation? Additionally, what fiduciary responsibilities and constraints must boards consider when managing these vital financial resources?

Speaker:
Tracy Filosa, head of CA Institute, Cambridge Associates

Presidential searches have taken on new urgency and complexity. Institutions face evolving challenges, including declining enrollment in some regions, financial pressures, demands for equity and inclusion, and a need for innovative leadership to navigate technological and societal shifts. Selecting a president who can address these issues while charting a bold, sustainable path forward is more critical than ever. This session will address how governing boards and search committees can adapt their search processes to meet today’s pressing needs, focusing on recruiting leaders equipped to manage current challenges.

Speakers:
Rod McDavis, former president, Ohio University; managing principal, AGB Search
Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal, AGB Search
Kim Bobby, principal, AGB Search

This session will provide a clear framework and actionable strategies to guide boards and institutional leaders through the complexities of shared governance systems. It will focus on practical insights to strengthen leadership effectiveness and promote shared responsibility in decision-making processes.

Speaker:
Steve Bahls, former president, Augustana College; former chair, Federation of Illinois Independent Colleges and Universities and the Lutheran Education Conference of North America; author, Shared Governance for Agile Institutions: A Practical Guide for Universities and Colleges (AGB, 2023); consultant, AGB

Explore the critical elements behind the successful merger of Roosevelt University and Robert Morris University. This session will highlight key strategies in planning, execution, and cultural alignment that ensured a smooth integration. It will focus on insights into overcoming challenges, fostering collaboration, and aligning institutional goals to achieve a unified vision.

Speakers:
Mark Heckler, president emeritus, Valparaiso University; trustee, Elizabethtown College; consultant, AGB
Ali Malekzadeh, president, Roosevelt University

As federal and state policymakers place increasing demands on colleges and universities, institutional leaders face significant challenges. Issues such as funding, research priorities, accreditation, institutional autonomy, and board independence are more critical than ever. For governing boards, this may be a pivotal moment to step up their role in public policy advocacy. But how can boards effectively align their efforts with presidents and senior staff to influence policy decisions that impact higher education’s future? Join this session to explore impactful advocacy in the evolving public policy landscape.

This session will explore the Knight Commission’s C.A.R.E. Model (Connecting Athletics Revenues with the Educational Model of College Sports), which outlines strategies to align athletics revenues with educational priorities. The session will focus on core principles such as financial transparency, independent oversight, and broad-based sports opportunities, all aimed at promoting fiscal responsibility and enhancing the student-athlete experience. By integrating these practices, governing boards can strengthen institutional governance, uphold educational values, and ensure athletics serve their broader mission.

Speakers:
Carol Cartwright, former president, Bowling Green State University and Kent State University; former chair, National Collegiate Athletic Association Executive Committee; former member, NCAA board of directors and the committee on infractions; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Amy Privette Perko, chief executive officer, Knight Commission

Higher education learner preferences and behaviors have evolved rapidly over the past five years and the journey is no longer linear. The concept of defining learners and the value they seek simply by age is no longer valid. Higher education has entered the age of the modern learner. The Modern Learner sees higher education differently, seeking connections with institutions that align with their evolving expectations. The future lies in meeting learners where they are with the right message in the right place and at the right time to drive meaningful engagement and redefine success for both students and institutions. Find out more as we dive into new thinking on aligning campus investments to the Modern Learner to build a sustainable and durable financial future for higher education institutions.

Speaker:
Greg Clayton, president of enrollment management services, Educational Dynamics

In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, the need for effective board leadership has never been greater. Board chairs are uniquely positioned to drive engagement, productivity, and cohesiveness among their members. This session will offer practical, actionable strategies to help board leaders navigate the pressing issues facing institutions today. Designed exclusively for current board chairs and vice chairs at public institutions, the session will provide targeted insights to strengthen leadership impact.

In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, the need for effective board leadership has never been greater. Board chairs are uniquely positioned to drive engagement, productivity, and cohesiveness among their members. This session will offer practical, actionable strategies to help board leaders navigate the pressing issues facing institutions today. Designed exclusively for current board chairs and vice chairs at private institutions, the session will provide targeted insights to strengthen leadership impact.

Speaker:
JP Smith, former chair, Kansas City University

This session will highlight the critical role of the board in leveraging data and dashboards to monitor institutional health and track student success. Attendees will explore essential data points, learn how to evaluate institutional performance, and gain insights into creating effective dashboards. Speakers will share practical examples and key considerations for dashboard design to equip participants with foundational knowledge.

Speakers:
Paul Friga, clinical professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; former trustee, Saint Francis University; consultant, AGB
Kemal M. Atkins, trustee, San Francisco Bay University; former vice president, Keene State College and Delaware State University; consultant, AGB

The session will provide a timely overview of the current state of collective bargaining in higher education, explaining the differences between private and public institutions, highlighting emerging trends, key issues, recent legal and policy developments, and the Board’s role concerning negotiations. Experts will explore what’s next, offering insights into how economic pressures, workforce demands, generational change, and shifting expectations may shape negotiations in the coming years.

Speaker:
William A. Herbert, distinguished lecturer and executive director, National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, Hunter College, City University of New York

Higher education is facing a moment of reckoning, where students, faculty and staff, and society as a whole re-examine its purpose and value. In particular, the national conversation is questioning the relevance of colleges and universities like never before. Simultaneously, higher education faces declines in demographics, college-going rates, and student mental health that pose dangers to the mission and business model.

To help distill all of this information, EAB has organized its State of the Sector around the key trends most shaping the operational direction of colleges and universities. These are priorities each institution must address to meet the challenges of the moment and ensure their relevance in the years and decades to come. They include managing public perception of higher ed’s value, student readiness and well-being, and generative AI.

Speaker:
Molly O’Connor, managing director, strategic research, EAB