Table of Contents

Features

Mergers and Acquisitions: Strong Roots Yield Fruitful New Partnerships
By David Tobenkin

Higher education institutions are considering more mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships than ever. Due to the changing demographics of the traditional-age student population, colleges and universities face enrollment declines and are finding new ways to collaborate whether it is a merger or a strategic affiliation. Governing boards can learn from success stories with positive outcomes of these collaborations.

Community Impact!
By Kristin Hanson

A gift to a community college can help the surrounding community as well as the institution. Five community colleges received substantial gifts—some in the millions—that have enabled them to better serve students and their communities. Leaders share lessons learned about how they navigated the stewardship of these monumental gifts.

Departments and Columns

On My Agenda
Leading with Courage in a Fractured Environment
By Ross A. Mugler

News in Brief
A Sampling of National Higher Education News

Inside AGB

Legal Standpoint
You Can Trust a Lawyer
By Robert B. Farrell

Foundations of Consequence
Transformative Governance for Growth
By Beth Fischer

Focus on the Presidency
Building Trust, Fostering Success: A Presidential Onboarding Journey
By DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna

From the Board Chair
In Play: The Power of Board Service in Challenging Times
By Renée Romberger

Reflections
From the Boardroom to the Board Office: My Journey From Student Trustee to Board Professional
By Edward W. Cullinane

A Question For
What Are the Keys to Success for Board Professionals?
An interview with Melanie Morrison

Cover Image Credit: STOCK.ADOBE.COM / FRESHIDEA / KRTOLA