2025 National Conference on Trusteeship: Schedule

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
Walter Kimbrough, interim president, Talladega College; former president, Dillard University and Philander Smith College

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.

Moderator:
Tom Hyatt, trustee, Roosevelt University Board of Trustees; general counsel, consultant, and senior fellow, AGB

Panelists:
Tom Ginsburg, founding faculty director, University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
John Wilson, former president, Morehouse College
Artis Hampshire-Cowan, trustee, Claflin University; consultant and senior fellow, AGB

The long-anticipated decline in traditional college-age populations will begin next year. 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 and what lies ahead. Drawing on examples from across higher education, Nathan Grawe, professor of economics at Carleton College, will explore how boards can promote strategies to help institutions 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

College athletics is a passionate lynchpin and core part of the experience that ties many students, employees, alumni, donors, and, of course, board members to the university they love and support.

This current moment, however, with name, image, and likeness (NIL), conference realignment, ongoing litigation against the NCAA, and the potential for student-athlete unionization—among other challenges—represents a period of rapid and sometimes abrupt change.

How should the board consider the evolving role of athletics in their institution? This session will address questions such as:

• What can we reasonably anticipate with evolving NCAA rules amid ongoing lawsuits?
• How can schools implement needed changes to align the scope of athletic programs with available resources, conference realignment, Title IX, and other requirements?
• What is the impact of these changes on the student-athlete, enrollment, and the overall college experience?
• What is the role of the board in decisions regarding athletics?

Speakers:
Simon Barker, managing partner, Blue Moon Consulting Group
Jason Cody, senior consultant, Blue Moon Consulting Group
Craig Pintens, athletic director, Loyola Marymount University

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

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

Speakers:
Molly O’Connor, managing director, research discovery and design, EAB
JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University

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.

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

Speakers:
Marjorie Hass, member, Brandeis University Board of Trustees; president, Council for Independent Colleges; past president, Rhodes College and Austin College
Rod McDavis, former president, Ohio University; managing principal, AGB Search

Achieving institutional excellence requires an unwavering commitment to values-driven leadership, strategic governance, evidence-based decision-making, and a commitment to fostering a culture in which all students and stakeholders can thrive. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) must be understood not as a compliance obligation but as a foundational element of institutional success that drives innovation, financial strength, and student outcomes. This session will explore why diverse board composition matters to the crucial role boards have in shaping and championing policies and practices that promote equitable access, belonging, and student success while ensuring these efforts align with their institution’s mission and strategic goals. Through real-world insights and interactive discussion, the session will provide practical strategies for advancing inclusive excellence in leadership and institutional oversight.

Speakers:
Jane Scaccetti, member, Temple University Board of Trustees
Kathleen Allison, member, Women’s Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (WNLI)

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.

Speakers:
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
Lynnette Heard, consultant and senior fellow, AGB 

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—someone who 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.

Speakers:
Greg Clayton, president, enrollment management services, EducationDynamics
Brent Ramdin, CEO of EducationDynamics

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

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.

Introductions:
Beverly Seay, past chair, AGB Board of Directors; past chair, University of Central Florida Board of Trustees

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

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

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

This session will explore why both presidential and board assessments are vital for institutions grappling with the volatility and uncertainty of today’s higher education dynamics. Key considerations for effective assessments for public and private sector institutions will assist participants in designing an assessment process that yields actionable recommendations for improving the performance of the president and the board—and strengthening the health of their relationship—to achieve success. Finally, the 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 in this turbulent environment.

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

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:
Barbara Gellman-Danley, president, Higher Learning Commission
David Maxwell, member and past chair, Grinnell College Board of Trustees; president emeritus, Drake University; former chair, Council on Higher Education Accreditation; consultant and senior fellow, AGB

Endowments play a critical role in helping institutions remain competitive and will be an important tool to adapt to changing patterns of enrollment and other financial challenges. Rapidly evolving federal policy may destabilize budgets and deplete funding for student financial aid and research. At the same time, endowments themselves may be subject to new or higher taxes. How can boards best leverage endowments to address current challenges while honoring donors’ intent and preserving the long-term purchasing power of endowment funds? What role will endowments play in changing business models? And what fiduciary responsibilities and constraints must boards consider when managing these vital financial resources?

Speakers:
Tracy Filosa, head of CA Institute, Cambridge Associates
Jainen Thayer, chief investment officer, Grinnell College

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, founding 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 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.

Moderator:
David Bass, executive director of philanthropic governance, AGB

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

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.

Speakers:
Daniel Greenstein, former chancellor, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE); managing director, Baker Tilly
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
Cynthia D. Shapira, founding 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 provide an opportunity to continue the Luncheon Plenary conversation. The panel of speakers will offer practical suggestions about what boards can do to advance academic freedom and freedom of expression, including the framework provided by the PEN America principles to protect campus freedom of expression. Ample time will be reserved for participants in the audience to engage with the speakers and each other to discuss what has and hasn’t worked at their institutions.

Speakers:
Steve Bahls, president emeritus, Augustana College; former chair, Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities Board of Directors and Lutheran Educational Conference of North America Board of Directors; author, Shared Governance for Agile Institutions: A Practical Guide for Universities and Colleges (AGB, 2023); consultant, AGB
Mark Criley, senior program officer, AAUP
Shauna Ryder Diggs, regent emerita, University of Michigan Board of Trustees; secretary, AGB Board of Directors
Kristen Shahverdian, program director of campus free speech, PEN America

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:
Ellen Chaffee, president emerita, Valley City State University and Mayville State University; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Heather Perfetti, president, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Higher education is evolving rapidly with shifting student demographics, increasing noncollegiate credentials, and workforce-driven demands. Institutions must also navigate AI’s impact on jobs, public policy challenges, state oversight, and funding uncertainties. Public university systems have a unique opportunity to influence these trends for the public good. Join us for an interactive conversation to 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)

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

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:
Kim R. Bobby, Ed.D., principal, AGB Search
Rod McDavis, former president, Ohio University; managing principal, AGB Search
Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal, AGB Search

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.

Speakers:
Kara Freeman, president and CEO, National Association of College and University Business Officers
Joyce Lopes, vice president, business & financial affairs, Western Washington University
Faith Pettis, chair, Western Washington University Board of Trustees

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.

Speakers:
Carlton Brown, trustee, San Francisco Bay University; former president, Clark Atlanta University, and Savannah State University; senior consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Alvin Schexnider, former chancellor, Winston-Salem State University; senior consultant and senior fellow, AGB

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.

Moderator:
Rich Novak, consultant and senior fellow, AGB

Speakers:
Rob Anderson, president, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)
Lezli Baskerville, president/CEO, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO)
Sarah Spreitzer, vice president and chief of staff, government relations, American Council on Education (ACE)

Educational quality is a core fiduciary responsibility of governing boards, but it extends beyond academics to include the full student experience. Because every institution’s mission is unique, educational quality looks different across campuses. This session will explore how leaders can define, assess, and strengthen educational quality in ways that align with their institution’s mission and student success goals. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical strategies to guide board-level conversations and decision-making.

Speakers:
Barbara Brittingham, president emerita, New England Commission of Higher Education; co-author, Assessing Board Readiness to Lead Change in Public Higher Education Systems
James Page, chancellor emeritus, University of Maine System; co-author, Assessing Board Readiness to Lead Change in Public Higher Education Systems

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

Philanthropy is a critical component of institutions’ budgets, contributing to long-term financial sustainability, supporting centers of excellence, and enabling student access and success. However, many advancement leaders are concerned that younger generations of alumni are less engaged and less likely to give than those of the prior generations that have driven the growth in giving to colleges and universities. This session will look at some of the trends shaping giving to higher education and explore ways institutions are working to engage and build philanthropic relationships with the next generation of prospective major gift donors.

Speakers:
David Bass, executive director of philanthropic governance, AGB
Caleb Dutzer, vice president, strategic partnerships, Advancement Resources
Ben Golding, CEO, Advancement Resources

This session will explore institutional impacts of the new era emerging in Division I college sports as a result of the proposed multibillion-dollar House v. NCAA settlement. The majority of Division I institutions have a choice to opt into the settlement terms that apply to 70 schools in the Defendant Conferences (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC). The session will explore important considerations such as the impact on institutional mission and values, overall financial impact, Title IX compliance, potential loss of athletic opportunities, impact on enrollment management strategies, and unresolved issues. The proposed settlement also could affect Division II and Division III institutions as Division I adapts to an entirely new model of college sports. Governing boards should be educated about this new model and its broad institutional impact.

Speakers:
Jonathan Alger, president, American University; past president, James Madison University; former member, NCAA Division I Board of Directors and Infractions Appeals Committee; member, Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics
Carol Cartwright, president emeritus, Kent State University and Bowling Green State University; former member, NCAA Board of Directors and Committee on Infractions; former member and chair, Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Amy Privette Perko, chief executive officer, Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics

This session will highlight insights from a national demonstration project involving the governing boards of seven institutions within the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Through a collaboration between AGB and the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, with support from Ascendium Education Philanthropy, the project assisted institutions in developing and implementing strategic visions for student success at both the board and operational levels. The initiative focused on addressing gaps in student attainment and creating an actionable plan, with proper board and presidential oversight, to ensure every student can graduate. Join us for an interactive conversation about what we learned from the project and how we are building on this transformative work. You will have an opportunity to share your suggestions on what is needed to further center student success as a responsibility of boards and presidents.

Speakers:
Andrew Koch, CEO, John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education
Kemal M. Atkins, member, San Francisco Bay University Board of Directors; former vice president, Keene State College and Delaware State University; consultant, AGB
Kevin Reilly, president emeritus and regent professor, University of Wisconsin System; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Kristen Seas Trader, instructional designer, John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education

The intercollegiate athletic landscape is quickly changing, with significant fiduciary, strategic planning, and governance implications for higher education institutions. The limelight, transfer portals, and real-time leadership and enrollment opportunities and stressors being decided in the courts necessitate difficult conversations with boards and presidents. This session will include a moderated and honest conversation with two paired presidents and board members at different points in their athletics journeys—one institution is focusing its brand and a pillar of its strategic plan on intercollegiate athletics, and the second is reflecting on how the current athletics environment aligns, or doesn’t, with its mission.

Speakers:
Teresa Valerio Parrot, principal, TVP Communications
Daniel Pullin, president and chancellor-elect, Texas Christian University
Edward A. Clark, trustee, Texas Christian University

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.

Speakers:
Anthony Barbar, chair emeritus, Florida Atlantic University; senior consultant, AGB
Carol Cartwright, president emeritus, Kent State University and Bowling Green State University, consultant and senior fellow, AGB.

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.

Speakers:
David Maxwell, trustee and past chair, Grinnell College; president emeritus, Drake University; senior fellow and senior consultant, AGB
Shannon McCambridge, executive governance consultant, AGB; executive search consultant; AGB Search
JP Smith, former chair, Kansas City University

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

Speakers:
Steven Bahls, president emeritus, Augustana College; vice chair, Capital University board; member, University of Montana Foundation board; author, Shared Governance for Agile Institutions: A Practical Guide for Universities and Colleges (AGB, 2023); consultant, AGB
David L. Kaufman, president, Capital University; board member, Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities; board member, Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges; board member, Association of Independent Colleges of Ohio; former chief executive officer, Encova Insurance
Mary Papazian, trustee, American Public University System; former president, San Jose State University; former president, Southern Connecticut State University; executive vice president, AGB

In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, philanthropy is an essential puzzle piece in an institution’s budget, supporting long-term financial stability and student access and success. However, communications often break down between trustees, presidents, and chief advancement officers around strategies in closing large-scale gifts. This session will examine trends, case studies, and best proven practices of institutions and their leaders who are finding success.

Speakers:
Carla S. Willis, managing principal, Washburn & McGoldrick
Bonnie N. Devlin, managing principal, Washburn & McGoldrick
Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, trustee, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State 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:
James Folds Jr., member, The University of the South Board of Regents
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

United Educators released its Top Risks Report: Insights for Higher Education in December 2024. The top five areas of concern for surveyed institutions were:

• Enrollment
• Data security
• Operational pressures (including finance and the business model)
• Faculty and staff talent management
• Regulatory and legal compliance issues

This session will examine the risk environment and outlook for higher education and offer practical, actionable strategies to help board leaders navigate and mitigate these risks. As insurance coverage for risk mitigation becomes increasingly difficult to find and afford, the importance of an enterprise-wide risk management process is more essential than ever.

Speakers:
David Fine, general counsel and secretary to the board of trustees, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Justin Kollinger, senior risk management consultant, United Educators
Kathryn Morris, president, St. Lawrence University
Richard Y. Uchida, vice president, general counsel, and secretary of the college, Colby College