Governing with Integrity: Why Board Independence Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s politically charged environment, the independence of governing boards is being tested like never before. From external pressures and trustee activism to shifting interpretations of fiduciary duty, higher education boards are navigating a landscape where the stakes for institutional autonomy and academic freedom are high and rising.

This webinar explores the foundational role of board independence in preserving mission-driven leadership, protecting institutional credibility, and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. Participants will gain practical insights into:

• How to identify and resist undue influence
• Why academic freedom and institutional autonomy depend on independent governance
• How to orient new board members to these critical responsibilities at the start of the academic year

Whether your board is on-boarding new members or reaffirming its values, this session will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity in complex times.

Speakers:

Richard D. Legon, former AGB president; AGB consultant and senior fellow
Barbara Gellman-Danley, president, Higher Learning Commission