Blog Posts

November 10, 2020 - The largest endowments—the ones that are effectively implementing the endowment model—have had almost 3 percent greater annualized returns over the past 20 years when compared to their large and midsized counterparts.(1) As large and midsized university endowments attempt to replicate the …

November 09, 2020 - Unprecedented levels of board engagement present challenges to and successes in shared governance, reported members of AGB’s Council of Board Professionals at their October 2020 meeting. Amid a pandemic, the switch to virtual engagement has resulted in full attendance at …

November 06, 2020 - Some things are certain: death, taxes, and the key to wise investing—buy low and sell high. Although we all agree that buying low and selling high produces a great return on your investment, it’s important to unpack the environment that’s …

November 06, 2020 - Several years ago, when consulting with trustees, presidents, and faculty members, I became concerned that shared governance as I thought it should be practiced was being shattered on many campuses. I observed diminished collaboration in those areas in which the …

November 04, 2020 - What are the average governing board sizes at private independent institutions, public institutions and systems, and institutionally related foundations? How are women and people of color represented on higher education governing boards? What is the average length of a single …

November 03, 2020 - This month’s update is arriving a few days earlier than usual due to recent events affecting higher education. Despite challenges from many sides, I urge you and your board to continue strengthening your commitments to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion …

October 29, 2020 - With the fall semester well underway, I’m aware of the unprecedented challenges confronting your board, leadership team, faculty, and staff as you collaboratively address immediate short-term challenges. While I understand how significant these challenges are, I encourage you also to …

October 28, 2020 - The upcoming presidential election on November 3 is a very significant election for a number of important reasons, including for higher education policy. As corporate and community leaders, board members are uniquely positioned to communicate the value proposition of the …

October 26, 2020 - With public health expenses soaring and tax revenues shrinking, state funding for universities is at least as imperiled as it was during the Great Recession. With unpredictable enrollment and rising technology and professional development costs, many universities have already initiated …

October 19, 2020 - AGB’s Council of Foundation Leaders convened in late September to discuss current and emerging issues spanning the effects of the pandemic; financial sustainability; strategic alignment; cyber risk oversight; campus activism; and justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JDE&I). With timely topics …