June 10, 2:00–3:00 PM ET

Higher education governing boards face an evolving landscape of financial constraints, public scrutiny, and shifting institutional priorities. Strategic board retreats offer a rare opportunity to step away from operational demands and focus on the long-term direction of the institution. Yet too often, retreats fall short of their potential—becoming routine meetings rather than transformative experiences.

Join R. Barbara Gitenstein, editor of A Guide to Strategic Board Retreats in Higher Education, along with chapter authors Carlton Brown, Carol Cartwright, and Jill Derby, for an insightful discussion on how to design and facilitate board retreats that drive institutional progress.

Panelists will explore:

The critical elements of a successful board retreat – What makes a retreat effective, and how can leaders ensure meaningful engagement?
Governance as a retreat focus – How can retreats help clarify board roles and responsibilities, strengthen shared governance, and improve decision-making?
Student success as a board priority – Why should student outcomes be central to board discussions, and what role do trustees play in advancing student success?
Navigating external influences – How can boards use retreats to manage constituent engagement, public trust, and the increasing external pressures on higher education?

Whether you are tasked with organizing retreats or seeking to enhance your board’s strategic effectiveness, this webinar will provide practical advice to ensure your next retreat is not just another meeting—but a turning point for your institution.

Moderator:

R. Barbara Gitenstein, PhD, president emerita, College of New Jersey; consultant and senior fellow, AGB

Speakers:

Carlton E. Brown, EdD, interim chair, San Francisco Bay University Board of Directors; former president, Savannah State University and Clark Atlanta University; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Carol Cartwright, PhD, former president, Bowling Green State University and Kent State University; consultant and senior fellow, AGB
Jill Derby, PhD, former member and board chair, Nevada Board of Regents; consultant and senior fellow, AGB