Trusteeship: January/February 2026
Volume 34, Number 1 // January/February 2026
Features
Endowments: Making a Difference and Securing the Future
By Christopher Connell
New federal tax changes to endowments may impact a college or university, depending upon the endowment’s size. Trustees and institutionally related foundation board members have a responsibility to understand how endowments operate, how an endowment functions at their own institution or foundation, and how tax laws may affect some endowments.
Accelerating Change in Accreditation
By David Tobenkin
Accreditation is undergoing a transformation with new guidelines. Boards of trustees need to understand how these changes may impact their institution, especially if a new
accreditor is being considered or if an institution is undergoing an accreditation review.
Governing Closure: The Board’s Role at the End
By Dennis Holtschneider and Nancy Blattner
Closing an institution is never an easy decision, but if must be done, boards of trustees can play an integral role in meeting the needs of all stakeholders: faculty, staff, students, and the larger community.
Organizing the Work of the Board for Student Success
By Kemal M. Atkins, Merrill Schwartz, Ayanna Samuels-Francis, and Alasia Slade
Boards of trustees can make student success a pillar of its institutional mission with thoughtful planning.
Sponsored Content
Data Capital: The Endowment for the AI Era
By Rachel Crosbie
Departments and Columns
On My Agenda
Regrounding Virginia in Nonpartisan Governance Principles
By Ross A. Mugler
News in Brief
A Sampling of National Higher Education News
Legal Standpoint
The Board and the General Counsel
By Lou Guard
Focus on the Presidency
Stronger Together: Supporting Your Campus Leader During Challenging Times
By Lori S. White
Board Leadership
An Untapped Resource: Keeping Emeriti Trustees Engaged
By Charles Scott and Robert Iuliano
Forum
Bowing to the Mob Is a Dangerous Game
By John C. Cavanaugh
A Question For
How Can Foundations Develop the Next Generation of Leaders?
An interview with Greg Willems
Cover Image Credit: Daniel Garcia
