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.