Table of Contents

Features

Expanding Financial Aid: Workforce Pell on the Horizon
By David Tobenkin

More opportunities for federal financial aid are afoot with the establishment of the Workforce Pell Grant program, which will significantly expand the Pell Grant program. Starting in July 2026, students will able to fund shorter-term education programs and credentials to increase workforce-ready training, which could spur the creation of new shorter-term education options across higher education.

Students on Boards: How Student Trustees Provide Value
By Dana Wilke

While not all higher education institutions have student trustees (or student representatives), those that do find it valuable to include a student on the board. Whether students are voted in or appointed to the board, their voice can be a powerful tool for boards looking for the perspective of students on their campus.

Stewarding Successful Systemic Change: What Board Members Need to Know
By Susan Elrod

Change in higher education is evolving at an unprecedented speed—and what has always worked may not solve new challenges as in the past. Understanding six key areas of systemic change can better prepare trustees and presidents to better navigate change at their institutions.

Four Exemplary Boards Steered Their Institutions Through Difficult Waters
By Christopher Connell

The AGB John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership is an honor granted to inspiring institutional and foundation boards. The 2026 recipients successfully led their boards through challenges to help their institutions become stronger.

Jumpstart: Keys to Success for New Foundation Executives
By Kristin Hanson

New foundation chief executive officers can achieve success in their roles by enacting strategies to help them in their new role and propel their institutional foundations forward.

Departments and Columns

On My Agenda
Boards: Back Your Presidents
By Ross A. Mugler

News in Brief
A Sampling of National Higher Education News

Inside AGB

Legal Standpoint
Risk Management and the Role of the Board
By Lou Guard

Forum
America’s Colleges Cannot Afford to Fall Behind in AI and Technology Governance
By Josem Diaz

In Practice
A Strategy for Trustee Professional Development: Using After-Action Reviews to Strengthen Board Performance
By David Richard Moore

Focus on the Presidency
Redesigning College Affordability as a Co-Investment System
By Philomena V. Mantella

Reflections
Snapshot of a President–Board Chair Partnership
By Judy Olian and Chuck Saia

A Question For
How Can We Spread the Word that College Matters Today?
An interview with Sue Cunningham

Cover Image Credit: Stock.Adobe.com/29Mokara/BonoTom Studio, Inc.