AGB (Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges)

As Cleveland State University developed its new strategic plan, the focus was as much on what it should not be as on what it should. Don't miss their webinar with AGB on April 9. https://lnkd.in/e_6_qXbk

🎯 What must higher ed boards do to govern effectively right now? That question echoed throughout the 2025 AGB National Conference on Trusteeship—and the answers came from every corner of the event. - From a powerful plenary panel on board leadership in a time of political tension… - To a dynamic roundtable where students shared their lived experiences and expectations for governance… - To the celebration of this year’s John W. Nason Award recipients, who exemplify what bold, mission-driven governance looks like in action. - To moments of connection and camaraderie among board members, campus leaders, and the AGB team… Key themes we heard throughout the conference: - Build more agile boards ready to navigate disruption. - Use mission and values as a compass in polarized times. - Recognize that trustees can be powerful advocates for the future of higher ed. - Strengthen the board-president partnership—trust and alignment are non-negotiable. - Stay focused on students, equity, and long-term transformation. We left Chicago with insights, inspiration, and—most importantly—a deeper sense of community among those leading through one of higher education’s most complex chapters. Here’s to governing boldly, together.

📣 Boards need to serve the students they have, not the students they wish they had. At the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship, Sara Goldrick-Rab challenged trustees and presidents to center their leadership on the lived experiences of students—especially when it comes to basic needs like food, housing, and mental health. Her message was clear and powerful: Higher education can’t fulfill its mission without meeting the real, human needs of those it serves. And governing boards have a crucial role to play in ensuring those needs are seen, understood, and addressed. We’re grateful for her bold, compassionate voice—and for the many conversations her keynote sparked among leaders ready to do more.

What a powerful moment at AGB's National Conference on Trusteeship! We are grateful to Sara Goldrick-Rab for bringing truth, urgency, and inspiration to a room full of higher ed leaders. Her keynote was a bold call to action for trustees and presidents to center student needs and lead with purpose—exactly what this moment demands. 

🌍 Higher education trustees must empower students to engage with the world—not retreat from it. That was a key message as we kicked off the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship with an inspiring keynote from journalist and author Robin Wright. She challenged higher education leaders to ensure students are globally curious, confident, and connected—and reminded us that colleges and universities must do more than educate. They must inspire, equip, and unite. A heartfelt thank-you to AGB Board Chair and Acting President Ross Mugler for helping launch the conference with energy, vision, and a strong call to courageous governance. We’re just getting started—and the momentum is real.

✨ Leadership. Legacy. Commitment. And a whole lot of heart. At this year’s Board Professionals Conference, AGB was proud to celebrate the incredible impact of all board professionals—a group of dedicated leaders who champion the essential work of their higher education boards. During a powerful conversation on leadership and legacy, Gayle Horwitz from The City University of New York, Katie Herschede, EdD from Widener University, Denise Nelson Nash, EdD from Scripps College, Melissa Orth from University of Florida, and Tamara Stoner from Delaware State University shared stories, lifted up each other’s work, and reminded us why this community is so vital to strong governance. To every board professional who joined us in Chicago: thank you. Your expertise, commitment, and care are the foundation of effective boards—and we are deeply grateful.

🌆 6AM. Scenic views. Even better company. Before the day’s sessions kicked off at the 2025 AGB Board Professionals Conference, this group of dedicated attendees laced up their sneakers and took in the best of Chicago. Conferences aren’t just about learning—they’re about connecting. And sometimes the best conversations happen when you're on the move. 👏 Here’s to staying active, building community, and making the most of every moment—together.

📣 “Academic freedom is the cornerstone of American innovation.” At the 2025 AGB Board Professionals Conference, David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, reminded us that while the United States still leads the world in higher education, this position is not guaranteed. The threats facing the sector—from censorship to chronic disinvestment—are real, and they demand courageous, committed governance. Danette Howard, trustee at Howard University, issued a call to action for boards to lead with conviction, even when uncertainty looms. “Fear of being misquoted, fear of backlash, fear of being silenced”—these are real concerns. But the mission must remain clear: uphold excellence and keep students at the center. As Cristin Toutsi Grigos, AGB's senior vice president of content and programs rallied the room with purple pom-poms in hand, she embodied what AGB believes at its core: We are cheering on governing boards as they do the vital, often difficult work of safeguarding higher education and advancing board excellence. 👏 Boards matter more than ever. AGB is here to support you.

🚨 Just Released: AGB’s New Guide to Strategic Board Retreats Board retreats shouldn’t just be routine—they should be transformational. Today’s higher education landscape demands more from boards: sharper focus, deeper engagement, and time to reflect on long-term strategy. This new resource helps boards plan and execute retreats that lead to real progress, not just pleasant conversation. AGB members can download the digital guide for free. 📣 Read the press release + access the guide: https://lnkd.in/dz53tR9U

The Case for a National Higher Ed Strategy Why does America need a national higher ed strategy?  The future prosperity and security of the U.S. depends on how well we unlock the full talent potential of our people—across every region and every background. In a rapidly shifting global landscape, talent is our most strategic resource—and the U.S. is falling behind. A new report, America's Talent Moonshot Alliance, from the Council on Higher Education as a Strategic Asset (HESA) makes a compelling case for:   - A White House role to coordinate talent strategy  - A National Talent Council to identify and close gaps  - Strategic investment to scale innovation  - Public recognition for institutions serving national goals Higher education must become a coordinated national asset. 📘 Explore the full roadmap: www.hesaus.org