Blog Posts

January 11, 2021 - An alumnus and senior executive with a global financial services firm told me in the early 2000s that the liberal arts college I served should launch a management information systems degree. He complained that he had to hire graduates from …

The past year has been one of the most disruptive periods of our lives. Considering these challenges, this column highlights AGB’s resolution to you and the entire AGB membership in 2021. You have heard me discuss elements of this resolution …

January 07, 2021 - AGB recently hosted a webinar with Baker Tilly and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State) on project risk reviews. Speakers from both organizations discussed the dynamics of project risk reviews (PRRs), including the board perspective, the recommended approach for …

Happy New Year! As AGB celebrates its 100th anniversary as the exclusive organization focused on empowering university, college, and foundation board members to serve as strategic thought partners with presidents/CEOs and leadership teams, this message provides my thoughts about: Discussing …

January 05, 2021 - With all the challenges of a year like this, one thing I am certain I can rely on is the connections forged with colleagues across my state and around the country.  Higher education is the most collegial and supportive industry …

December 22, 2020 - What post-pandemic higher education will look like was the thread running through discussions that took place during the December 15 meeting of AGB’s Council of Presidents. The pedagogy will almost certainly be different but how, exactly? How much education will …

December 18, 2020 - The operational uncertainty unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic creates stress for everyone in higher education, not least foundation leaders, board members, and staff. This clear-eyed reality infused the peer conversation among the AGB Council of Foundation Leaders on December 16. …

December 10, 2020 - Everyone wants a transformative president until they have one. Why? Because transformative presidents are focused on making substantive change and achieving profound success. In order to succeed, they have to make brave decisions, be comfortable with people not liking them …

December 09, 2020 - This year has been one of great upheaval and change. While the holidays may seem like a welcome period of rest and relaxation, it's critical that boards and their committees keep channels of communication open. Crises don't take the holidays …

On behalf of the entire AGB board of directors and staff, I thank you for your ongoing commitment to effective board leadership and strategic governance as you have collaboratively navigated many demanding and unexpected challenges during 2020. As your board …