Higher Education at a Constitutional Crossroads

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.

In this episode, AGB Executive Vice President Mary Papazian discusses the rise of antisemitism on college campuses with Special Advisor to the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism Rachel Fish, and what board members need to know to lead effectively in response. Board members play a crucial role in promoting a campus culture that upholds academic freedom while also fostering inclusion, viewpoint diversity, and civil discourse. Asking critical questions and supporting leadership in making difficult decisions can help ensure that campuses remain safe, respectful, and mission-driven learning environments for all. 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.