Align. Advocate. Act: Collective Strategies for Higher Education Leadership

Across the nation, higher education is facing unprecedented political pressure—on curricula, governance, diversity initiatives, and institutional autonomy. These challenges strike at the heart of higher education’s mission and its ability to serve as a trusted source of learning and innovation. In this moment, collective action isn’t just important, it’s imperative.

In this webinar, three leaders, Dr. Mike Gavin, founder of Education4All, Daniella Ballou-Aares, founder and CEO of Leadership Now, and Ross Mugler, interim president of AGB will share their insights on collaborative initiatives within higher education and across higher education and industry, showing how collective leadership can reinforce higher education’s essential democratic role—ensuring that institutions remain open, equitable, and free from undue influence.

This engaging session will empower boards and institutional leaders to:

• Recognize the growing risks posed by political intrusions into academic decision-making.
• Explore how collective advocacy and inter-institutional alliances can preserve autonomy and academic freedom.
• Learn strategies for aligning governance, leadership, and mission in times of political tension.
• Reimagine the board’s role as a defender of academic freedom and shared governance.

Speakers:

Mike Gavin, PhD, founder, Education4All
Ross Mugler, interim president and CEO, AGB
Daniella Ballou-Aares, founder and CEO, Leadership Now