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For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Joe Brenckle
media@AGB.org
RICHMOND, VA (February 12, 2026)—Ross Mugler, President and CEO of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), which represents governing boards and presidents from more than 2,000 public and private colleges, universities, and institutionally related foundations nationwide, testified this week before the Virginia General Assembly Committees on Education about the importance of preserving strong shared governance while maintaining clear fiduciary responsibilities for governing boards. Mugler emphasized that shared governance works best when the distinct roles of boards, presidents, and faculty are clearly defined and mutually respected.
“Diverse voices are essential to institutional success,” Mugler testified. “Shared governance depends on meaningful engagement, consultation, and collaboration. At the same time, governing boards carry unique fiduciary obligations that require independence and clarity of authority. Granting faculty voting authority on boards creates unavoidable conflicts of interest. Even when well intentioned, these arrangements undermine fiduciary independence and raise serious concerns about transparency and public trust.”
Mugler noted that governing boards are legally charged with acting in the best interests of the institution as a whole, including long-term financial sustainability, strategy, and public accountability. He noted that AGB supports strong mechanisms for stakeholder engagement, including robust faculty senate structures, regular consultation with board leadership, faculty presentations to boards, and service on board committees in non-voting capacities. These models, Mugler said, ensure that diverse institutional perspectives meaningfully inform board deliberations while preserving the fiduciary independence required of trustees.
“Effective governance is not about limiting voices, it is about ensuring that every stakeholder’s role is clear and respected,” Mugler testified. “When boards and intuitional voices each fulfill their distinct responsibilities, colleges and universities are stronger, more transparent, and better positioned to serve students and the public.”
AGB continues to work with policymakers and institutional leaders to promote governance structures that reinforce accountability, academic excellence, and public trust and recently reached out to Governor Abigail Spanberger with best practices to strengthen the governance of all institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
About AGB
At 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.
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