AGB Trusteeship Podcast

Public trust in higher education is under strain, but rebuilding it requires more than a stronger communications strategy. In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina and Jeremy Young of the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) discuss AAC&U's The Trust Agenda, and the critical role governing boards can play in helping institutions demonstrate trustworthiness through stronger relationships, innovation, student success, community engagement, and accountability. The conversation also examines trustees' role as ambassadors for higher education and the difficult balance between responding to legitimate calls for accountability and defending institutional autonomy and intellectual freedom. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Congress is juggling Department of Education interagency agreements, the College Transparency Act, and a new framework for college athletics. In this episode, Joe Brenckle speaks with Penn Hill Group's Alex Nock about these higher education developments as well as updates on regulation and the Pell grant shortfall. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Who wants to be a college president, and what does it take to succeed in the role?  In this podcast, Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal and senior vice president of AGB Search, speaks with Thomas Gibson, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Roderick McDavis, former president of Ohio University and managing principal and CEO of AGB Search, about leadership, governance, student success, and the evolving demands of the presidency. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

In this episode, AGB's Joe Brenckle speaks with Penn Hill Group's Alex Nock about proposed changes to federal grant regulations, the latest developments in congressional appropriations, and what the next six months might look like for higher education.

In a time of market volatility, inflation concerns, and growing financial pressure across higher education, how can colleges and universities ensure their endowments remain both resilient and mission-aligned? In this episode, AGB's David Bass speaks with Kyle Adams of Cerity Partners about the evolving role of the outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) model and what boards and investment committees should expect from their investment partners today. Together, they discuss how institutions of all sizes can strengthen decision-making, navigate uncertainty, and position their endowments to support long-term priorities. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB. Disclosures Please read important disclosures here. Cerity Partners OCIO LLC ("Cerity Partners OCIO" or "CP OCIO") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cerity Partners LLC (together with its affiliates, "Cerity Partners"). Views expressed are as of the date recorded unless otherwise indicated. Client data is as of February 28, 2026. The NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, which is available for purchase, provides an annual analysis of endowment investment returns, asset allocations, and governance policies and practices at hundreds of U.S. higher education institutions and affiliated foundations. Cerity Partners OCIO is a corporate partner member of NACUBO and sponsors certain NACUBO events. Certain CP OCIO clients may have participated in the study. NACUBO data is as of June 30, 2025. Cerulli Associates provides market intelligence and strategic business for the financial industry.  The Cerulli US Outsourced Chief Investment Officer Function 2025 Report, which is available for purchase, explores the evolving OCIO landscape, including market sizing, forces of growth, demand and needs across client segments, use of OCIO search consultants, and the various challenges facing providers. "CapEx" refers to Capital Expenditures. "Fed" refers to the Federal Reserve. "RFP" refers to Request for Proposal.