Chat with AGB Board Bot
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Joe Brenckle
[email protected]
Washington, DC (June 30, 2026)—The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) will convene board leaders, college and university presidents, policymakers, and higher education experts for Mission Before Politics: Governing in a Time of Disruption, a national conversation on the role of governing boards in protecting institutional mission and strengthening higher education governance.
The invitation-only event will take place July 13, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
At a time when colleges and universities face growing political, legal, and public pressures, the event will explore how governing boards must exercise independent fiduciary judgment, support institutional leadership, and make decisions that advance the long-term interests of the institutions they serve.
“Strong governance is essential to higher education’s future,” said Ross Mugler, president and CEO of AGB. “This conversation will bring together leaders with firsthand experience navigating some of the most consequential governance challenges facing colleges and universities today and identify practical strategies for ensuring boards remain focused on mission, fiduciary responsibility, and institutional effectiveness.”
Moderated by Doug Lederman, former editor and co-founder of Inside Higher Ed, the program will feature two panel discussions examining both the consequences of governance failures and the governance practices that enable boards to remain independent, mission-focused, and effective.
Speakers include Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon King; Geoff Landward, commissioner of higher education for the Utah System of Higher Education; Major General (Ret.) Cedric T. Wins, former superintendent of Virginia Military Institute; Ona Alston Dosunmu, president and CEO of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA); Kristen Shahverdian, director of higher education and free expression at PEN America; and Michael Schill, president emeritus of Northwestern University and former president of the University of Oregon. Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia) has been invited to participate.
Attendance is limited to 200 participants. To request an invitation, please contact [email protected].
About AGB
The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is the premier organization representing higher education governing boards, presidents, board professionals, and institutionally related foundations. AGB advances the practice of effective governance to strengthen higher education and ensure colleges and universities fulfill their missions in service to students and society.
###