Board Roles & Responsibilities

It should come as no surprise to trustees that boards have come under increased pressure in recent years to be more purposeful in the how they govern, specifically when it comes to mission and overall governance. There are several possible …

As higher education faces ever-changing challenges today reflecting news headlines such as opioids, sexual misconduct on campus, undue political influence, workforce preparation, college closures, and enrollment declines, overseeing risks has become an increased priority for governing boards seeking to drive …

In a blog post last week AGB explored the need for a thoughtful, deliberate, merit-based selection process for public board members. It’s clear that a diverse, capable board, working in partnership with an effective president/chancellor and administration, are essential components …

Higher education board members bring a broad range of expertise and perspectives to their institutions as well as the higher education enterprise. Since trustees are ultimately accountable for addressing the opportunities and challenges facing their institutions, it is important to …

Your professional experience and ability to think critically are essential to your service as a trustee. In fact, lacking these, you likely would not have been appointed in the first place. You will apply the insights they produce throughout your …

A former college president's view on what trustees need to consider today to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. We all know the song’s lyrics, “when will they ever learn?” It is a great question that can be used in different contexts. One …

AGB is pleased to share this eighth publication in a series of informational briefings developed as part of The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust, an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. Most …

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) hold an iconic position within American higher education. But HBCUs are at an inflection point. While HBCUs include iconic liberal arts colleges and leading research universities, many struggle financially and are finding it difficult …

As you prepare for your fall board meetings focused on advancing your students’ success and your institutions’ vitality, I urge you to reflect on your boards’ roles of accountability. This preparation requires discussion not only to identify and prioritize agenda …

University board work is often forward focused. We spend most of our time thinking strategically about where our institutions might be years down the road. A less tangible element of our fiduciary responsibility, yet no less important, is to protect …