Effective Boards Secure Our Future

It’s no secret that American higher education today is not only at a crossroads, but it’s also in the eye of a storm. Political polarization, demographic change, financial pressures, and mounting doubts about the value of postsecondary education are converging in ways that demand effective governance and leadership. Some board members may be hesitant to have difficult conversations due to the political landscape or potential disagreements about any number of issues among board members, which could result in a divided board. No matter the circumstance, board members should continue to discuss the issues of greatest consequence—civil discourse in the boardroom is critical to having an effective board.