AGB Board of Directors’ Statement: A Conversation with the EVP Mary Papazian

Changing Higher Ed

In this episode, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Mary Papazian, Executive Vice President of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

They focus on higher education governance and discuss the significant "AGB Board of Directors’ Statement on Influences Impacting Governing Board Independence and Leadership." This document, a noteworthy publication in AGB's 110-year history and only the 13th such statement, addresses crucial issues in contemporary educational governance.

Podcast Highlights

"Without academic freedom and autonomy, higher education institutions cannot fulfill the vital role they play in our democracy and economy. The global competitive positions of our nature and society are in jeopardy if board oversight of academic freedom is diluted." AGB

Key Discussion Points:

• AGB’s Perspective on Board Roles: The dialogue begins with an examination of how boards should actively participate in governance, differentiating their role from that of university presidents in management.
• Principles of Board Governance: Dr. Papazian unpacks the four fundamental principles of board governance: loyalty, care, obedience, and the preservation of institutional autonomy, particularly academic freedom.
• Spotlight on Governance in Media: The discussion touches on the increased media attention towards board governance and its wider implications for higher education.
• Strengthening Governance Practices: The importance of developing robust governance structures, especially before a crisis, and the role of AGB in aiding this development.
• Academic Freedom - A Core Value: Comparing and contrasting the AAUP and AGB reports underscoring the critical role of academic freedom in American higher education.
• Best Practices from the AGB Report: Insights into the latest AGB report, which offers guidance and strategies for institutions to uphold governance responsibilities.
• Diversity in Board Decision-Making: Emphasizing the importance of diverse viewpoints in enhancing the quality of governance and shared decision-making.
• Essentials of Good Governance: The conversation emphasizes the need for maintaining and adapting good governance practices to address various challenges.
• Promoting Self-Assessment for Boards: The significance of regular board evaluations in sustaining and improving governance effectiveness.

Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards:

1. Fiduciary Duties as a Foundation: Reinforcing the core responsibilities of loyalty, care, and obedience in governance.
2. Upholding Academic Freedom and Independence: Highlighting the necessity of board independence and academic freedom for the integrity of higher education.
3. Supporting College Presidents: The critical role of boards in supporting university presidents, particularly in navigating complex situations.

Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with an emphasis on the importance of informed and adaptable governance in higher education. McNaughton and Papazian advocate for proactive engagement and strong leadership to effectively address the evolving challenges in the sector.

Read the transcript and extended show summary on our website →

About Our Podcast Guest

Mary Papazian, PhD, is the executive vice president of AGB. She has served as president at San Jose State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and as interim president of the Business-Higher Education Forum. She has served as board chair of the Business-Higher Education Forum, the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, and the Mountain West Athletic Conferences. She has been a board member of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, the NCAA, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and Haigazian University.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed®, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Twitter: @thechangeldr
• Email: [e-mail]

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