Claim OwnershipAGB Trusteeship Podcast
Subscribed: 9Played: 67
Subscribe
© Copyright AGB - All Rights Reserved
Description
The Trusteeship Podcast from the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) provides perspective on the issues facing the nation's universities and colleges. Through insider insight and expert analysis, AGB's podcast helps leaders in this vital sector advance the public trust in higher education.
66 Episodes
Reverse
Immigration impacts nearly every dimension of higher education—from who enrolls and teaches, to how institutions fulfill their mission. In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina speaks with Miriam Feldblum, co-founder and president of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, about the practical steps governing boards can take to support students, faculty, and institutional sustainability in a rapidly shifting immigration landscape. Board members will gain insights into the key populations affected, current policy pressures, and what fiduciary leadership looks like when it comes to protecting talent, values, and opportunity. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What's next for federal higher education policy? Alex Nock of Penn Hill Group joins AGB's Joe Brenckle to unpack the latest developments in this episode. From federal enforcement initiatives and accreditation shake-ups to judicial rulings on tuition access and political interventions, board leaders are facing complex challenges that demand attention now. With key regulatory decisions slated for 2026, this timely conversation offers insights to help boards stay ahead. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What do higher education boards need to know about free speech today? In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina talks with Jonathan Friedman of PEN America to explore what every governing board should understand about free speech, academic freedom, and institutional autonomy. Together, they explore the First Amendment's role in public vs private institutions, the misconceptions around hate speech, and how governing boards can uphold both inclusion and open inquiry in an increasingly polarized environment. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What should campus leaders know about the shifting federal enforcement of Title VI? In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina speaks with former Department of Education Office of Civil Rights attorney Beth Gellman-Beer about the surge in investigations and the growing focus on shared-ancestry discrimination. Together, they break down what institutions should expect if they come under scrutiny and how to strengthen compliance efforts. The conversation offers trustees and administrators practical guidance for maintaining a safe and inclusive campus climate amid rapidly changing expectations. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB. In an era of polarization and heightened scrutiny, how can higher education boards ensure that disagreement leads to progress—not gridlock? In this podcast, AGB Consultant and Senior Fellow Terry MacTaggart talks with Mylien Duong, Vice President of Research and Innovation at the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI). They explore research-based habits for constructive disagreement and share strategies to build trust, improve board culture, and keep shared purpose front and center. This episode offers timely, practical insights for board members, presidents, and board professionals navigating complex conversations on campus and in the boardroom.
What's next for federal higher education policy? Alex Nock of Penn Hill Group joins AGB's Joe Brenckle to unpack the latest developments in this episode. They explore the upcoming negotiated rulemaking process for student loans and Workforce Pell, a sweeping executive order on race and admissions data reporting, and the potential implications of a looming government shutdown. Alex and Joe offer insights into the Department of Education's spring Unified Agenda and what it signals for accreditation and Title IV rulemaking in 2026. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What do board members need to understand about the rise of antisemitism on college and university campuses—and why does it matter for institutional leadership? In this episode, AGB Senior Fellow Mary Papazian speaks with Rachel Fish, a nationally recognized scholar and advisor to the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism. They discuss how higher education leaders and trustees can recognize contemporary expressions of antisemitism, ensure alignment with institutional policies, and foster learning environments grounded in safety, inclusion, and academic freedom. This timely conversation offers practical insights for boards striving to lead with clarity and integrity in a time of rising polarization and campus unrest. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Accreditation affects everything from financial aid to institutional viability—but many board members don't realize how directly they're accountable. In this episode, AGB's Natalie Boehm talks with AGB Consultant John Cavanaugh about what every board should know: why accreditation matters, how it connects to fiduciary duties, and what questions boards should be asking. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What does it really mean to serve on a higher education board? In this podcast, governance expert Tom Hyatt breaks down fiduciary duty—not just as a legal requirement, but as the cornerstone of courageous, strategic leadership. Learn why showing up, speaking up, and standing by your mission matters more now than ever. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What do governing boards need to know to protect their institutions' missions and values during these politically charged times? Constitutional scholar, former University of Vermont President, and AGB Board Member Tom Sullivan discusses the legal challenges facing higher education today with AGB's Vice President for Content Strategy and Development Doug Goldenberg Hart. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
What's next for higher education policy? AGB's Director of Strategic Communications Joe Brenckle and Penn Hill Group Principal Alex Nock break down major federal proposals that could reshape funding, student aid, and accountability, and why governing boards must stay engaged. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Recorded on March 17, 2025 Venture capital can be a powerful portfolio driver for institutional investors when approached strategically. In this podcast, Cerity Partners Senior Principal Nat Fraser speaks with AGB Senior Consultant John Griswold about how venture capital is a critical asset class that offers significant return potential but requires boards to have a careful understanding of its unique risks and dynamics. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
As colleges and universities face mounting pressures from all directions - donors, politicians, alumni, and various interest groups - the ability of governing boards to maintain their independence has never been more crucial. This autonomy isn't about resisting political influence; it's about ensuring that boards can fulfill their fiduciary duties and make decisions that serve their institutions' missions and values. Board independence is key to institutions maintaining their role as crucial incubators of innovation, discovery, and democratic values. In this podcast, AGB President and CEO Fram Virjee discusses the vital role of independence and neutrality in today's environment. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
As colleges and universities attempt to navigate today's challenging economic environment, they are increasingly relying on their endowments to fund operating costs. That sometimes means spending beyond their endowment's spending policy guidelines, which presents a difficult dilemma: How do they serve present needs yet also safeguard the institution's long-term financial sustainability? In this podcast, AGB's David Bass speaks with Cambridge Associates' Tracy Filosa about the balance that institutional leaders must strike between, on the one hand, meeting current demands and, on the other, ensuring that adequate resources will be available for future generations of stakeholders. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Foundation boards must create leadership succession plans for themselves and their CEOs. In addition, a strong institution-foundation partnership is crucial when a university leadership transition occurs. In this podcast, originally presented as a webinar, AGB Consulting's Natalie Boehm speaks with AGB Senior Consultant Jane DiFolco Parker and AGB's Executive Director of Philanthropic Governance David Bass about the vital role of succession planning in ensuring continuity and growth for foundations. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Dr. Claudia Hampton was the first Black woman to serve on the California State University Board of Trustees and was a key force in the fight for affirmative action in the CSU system. Hampton gained the trust of her predominantly male, white fellow board members by employing "sly civility." In this podcast, AGB Executive Vice President Mary Papazian, former President of San Jose State University, speaks with Dr. Donna Nicol, who is the Associate Dean for Personnel and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts at California State University Long Beach and the author of Black Woman On Board, which chronicles Dr. Hampton's tenure on the CSU board and her lasting influence on the Cal State system. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Artificial intelligence plays a key role in digital transformation, allowing institutions to scale their efforts and streamline their work. In this podcast, David Bass, AGB's executive director of philanthropic governance, and Fundmetric CEO Mark Hobbs discuss the use of AI in fundraising in higher education. Effective use of AI and an improved data infrastructure can help you prioritize and personalize outreach, adapt to changing donor demographics, and identify untapped donor potential. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election on the horizon, how do the Democratic and Republican Party platforms address higher education policy? The election outcome will affect students and institutions, and board members should prepare so they aren't caught off guard. AGB's Morgan Alexander and Penn Hill's Alex Nock discuss the potential impacts of the election, highlighting the GOP's call for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and the emphasis both parties place on Title IX and alternatives to four-year degrees. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
The U.S. Department of Education released the final rule on Title IX on April 29, 2024. These new regulations emphasize broader reporting standards and more mandatory reporters, which could lead to an increase in Title IX reporting. In this podcast, Sally Mason, president emerita of the University of Iowa and AGB Senior Consultant and Senior Fellow, and Peter Lake professor of law and director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University and AGB Consultant discuss the implications of the final rule and what boards need to know. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Strategic enrollment planning goes beyond attracting new students. It involves supporting current students, evaluating program offerings, and understanding the broader environment. In this podcast, Stuart Jones of Southern Utah University and Lew Sanborne of RNL speak with AGB's Cristin Toutsi Grigos about the importance of board and campus-wide engagement in strategic enrollment planning, regular assessment of the impact of those strategies, and how thinking small can lead to big changes over time. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States