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For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Joe Brenckle
media@AGB.org
WASHINGTON, DC (April 17, 2025)—The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is proud to announce that Melanie Morrison of Palo Alto University (PAU) has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 AGB Distinguished Board Professional Award. This award celebrates Morrison’s exceptional contributions to governance excellence and board engagement in higher education. The award was presented at AGB’s Board Professionals Conference, which recently took place in Chicago.
The AGB Distinguished Board Professional Award recognizes outstanding board professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in supporting college and university boards. As a vital part of institutional success, board professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that governance is strategic, informed, and mission-driven.
As the senior director of board and presidential operations at PAU, Morrison has spent the past eight years transforming board operations, fostering strategic engagement, and ensuring seamless collaboration between institutional leadership and trustees. She is also a PAU alumna from the university’s undergraduate program in business psychology. With 13 years of service at PAU, Morrison has deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to governance that have played a critical role in advancing the university’s mission.
“Board professionals are the backbone of effective governance in higher education, ensuring that institutional leadership and trustees remain aligned in service of their mission,” said Ross Mugler, AGB board chair and acting president and CEO. “Melanie embodies the dedication, innovation, and strategic insight that define the best in our profession. We are thrilled to recognize her achievements with this award.”
Prior to her current role, Morrison provided administrative and faculty support in the Office of Academic Affairs, gaining a strong foundation in university operations and academic governance. Her expertise in institutional strategy has made her an invaluable resource in bridging board leadership with the broader university community.
A champion of innovation, Morrison has led technology-driven advancements that have redefined board engagement at PAU. She implemented AGB OnBoard to modernize board meeting management, spearheaded a comprehensive archival project, and redesigned trustee orientation to enhance new members’ understanding of their roles. Her most impactful initiative has been developing dashboards that link university metrics to strategic plan objectives, providing trustees with real-time insights to enhance decision-making. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in transitioning the board to hybrid meetings, fostering broader participation and collaboration.
In addition, Morrison is currently developing a visualization map of potential risks to the university, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview that helps guide strategic discussions and decision-making. Her ability to balance high-level governance with a detail-oriented approach has made her an indispensable leader in the field.
Morrison said she was proud to receive the 2025 AGB Distinguished Board Professional Award because it acknowledges not only her work but the great things going on at PAU. “We are a small institution doing big things, and this recognition affirms the transformative work we’ve accomplished in governance and strategic leadership,” she said.
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About AGB
At the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), we believe in the power of higher education to transform lives, strengthen inclusive democracy, and support a thriving society. We believe that strong higher education starts with great governing boards. AGB provides advocacy, leading practices, educational resources, expert support, and renowned programs that advance board excellence for 40,000 AGB members from more than 2,000 institutions and foundations. For more than 100 years, AGB has been the trusted authority for board members, chief executives, board professionals, and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership. Learn more at AGB.org.