Chat with AGB Board BotHow to use this toolkit.
Every new college and university presidency involves transition as the past president departs and the new chief executive’s tenure begins. But how successfully the transition unfolds depends on how well the new president is able to establish productive relationships with the board, the administration, and the faculty, staff, and students. And how well the board and administration plan for this pivotal moment may determine the success of the presidency.
AGB understands that establishing these relationships is critical to assisting presidents and their boards—and institutionally related foundations of public institutions—in charting a smooth trajectory for the president’s early initiatives and beyond.
To that end, AGB has developed the New President Toolkit, which includes a host of resources that enable the new president to hit the ground running and chart a course for their institution that ensures well-being and sustainability. Take the following steps to get started.
- Schedule an executive committee meeting to discuss toolkit resources. (Note: An AGB facilitator can walk you through the items in this toolkit. Contact AGB Consulting for more information and assistance.)
- Discuss how the president and board might work together to implement lessons learned and recommendations from this toolkit.
- Follow up with AGB for coaching. AGB experts offer ongoing support to help presidents work effectively with the board and make an impact.
Understand why it’s important for the board to support new presidents, offer advice, and align expectations, according to Mary Papazian, PhD, AGB executive vice president.
Toolkit resources.
Presidents, Boards, and Board Chairs
The President-Board Chair Relationship
Trusteeship Magazine article from November/December 2014
AGB
Board Chair-President Relations
Blog Post
by Merrill P. Schwartz
The Governance Committee: Public Institutions
Appendix A: Illustrative Statement of Commitment and Responsibilities
2019
by Carol Cartwright
Effective Board Chairs: A Guide for University and College Chairs
Chapter 2: Essential Responsibilities for Board Chairs, Section 3: Establish a Mutually Supportive Relationship with the President
2016
by Jeffrey B. Trammell
The Presidency
The 21st-Century Presidency: A Call to Enterprise Leadership
Trusteeship magazine article from July/August 2017
by Terrence MacTaggart
Assessing and Developing College and University Presidents
Chapter Five: Developing Enterprise Leaders
2020
by Terrence MacTaggart
A Complete Guide to Presidential Search for Universities and Colleges, Second Edition
Chapter 14: Launching a New Presidency
2018
Edited by Joseph S. Johnston Jr. and James P. Ferrare
Key Responsibilities
When Should a President Step Down? Leadership Transition Planning for Higher Education
Blog Post
by Mark Heckler
Fundraising Campaigns in Higher Education: A Practical Guide for Governing and Foundation Boards
Chapter 13: Board Member Roles
2021
Edited by John Lippincott and Tom Mitchell
Understanding Enrollment Management: A Guide for College and University Board Members
Chapter Three: Enrollment Management and Institutional Mission
2020
by Don Hossler and Jerome A. Lucido
Marshaling the President’s Cabinet for Effective Governance
Trusteeship magazine article from March/April 2015
by Artis Hampshire-Cowan
Contact AGB.
To learn how AGB can further support your president and board, please contact 202-776-0865 or membership@AGB.org. Or use this contact form.