For those in the public eye, a trip to the super-market invites more than shopping. A stroll down the frozen food aisle opens the public servant to inter-action with a passionate faculty member, an armchair quarterback informed by news headlines, a major donor, a student whose favorite professor is sus-pended, a political representative, a recently released adjunct lecturer, or a vocal alumnus rooting for a coach’s termination.
Anyone who serves in a decision-making capacity for a public university system or a public or private institution has likely encountered similar interactions.
The role of trustee or regent is one entrusted with the power and responsibility to discern and make decisions in the best interest of those we serve, the institutions we govern. This seemingly straightforward role is further layered with personal and professional roles as youth soccer coach, parent, business owner, community leader, chief financial officer, or book club member.
A relatable scenario might read:
“Michael” is a professor with two children, and a spouse in the state legislature. Michael teaches in a department facing budgetary cuts due to declining enrollment. His daughter kicks the soccer ball alongside the daughter of a trustee, who also chairs the finance committee for the university system board. On the sideline, the discussion around maintaining the department ensues amid a timeout and Gatorade replenishment. As the weeds near the fence clutch a soccer ball, the trustee listens to the plea, fetches the soccer ball, and pulls a few weeds in the process.
The decisions we make as trustees can have significant impacts on the lives of many—some we know and others we may never meet. The decisions are informed by reading, listening, understanding, discernment, discussion, and a return to several overarching questions: What is best for students, our state, this institution, and our system of public higher education? Are we good stewards of taxpayer, student, and philanthropic investments? Does this align with our goals of affordability, excellence, and access? Is this informed by best practice or staunch tradition? What does our state—and our society—need today, tomorrow, and in the future?
The trustee’s objective lens quickly can become clouded by voices of influence. Conflicts of interest can swiftly tear at the fabric of integrity when not disclosed or recognized. The “crown” of power can boost an ego in knowing a decision will improve one’s status or protect a key influencer.
As a trustee or regent, what is your litmus test for decision making? What are the questions you ask of yourself in order to honestly self-reflect? What or who are the influencers that color your lens? Are you comfortable making a decision and adjourning a meeting knowing your true north of integrity? Do you find yourself in the weeds or keep your eyes on higher-level, important discussions to guide higher education?
What a privilege, responsibility, and honor to which we are called as trustees in service of students, our states, institutions, and the economic vitality, advancement, health, and well-being of our communities. Some of these decisions will have an impact on individuals for years after our terms expire. The public entrusts us to a code of ethics that requires us to place ourselves humbly in service and leadership in order to educate, empower, and develop individuals who will engage in civil discourse as our communities, our states, our nation, and our world enter another day, another decade, another century.
As I complete my term on the Montana University System board of regents, I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve my beloved state of Montana, the students, and dedicated faculty and staff. I am hopeful and confident in our system leadership, presidents, and chancellors who have been charged with courageously and creatively leading our institutions into the future. I am grateful for the servant leaders who will continue to govern, aware of the complexity and the importance of the decisions they will make and the strategic vision, values, and missions that guide them. I will continue to be an ambassador in celebration of higher education—in the frozen food aisle and beyond. My children and our world depend upon it.
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