Navigating the Future of University Governance: Lessons from 250 Years of Experience

Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Lauren Zalaznick, author of Letters from the Corporation of Brown University: Lives of Usefulness and Reputation, discuss the evolution and future of university governance. Drawing from over 250 years of trustee resignation letters at Brown University, they share invaluable insights on leadership, adaptability, and effective governance in higher education.

Key Discussion Points

Historical Context and Evolving Governance:

• Brown University's founding charter from 1764 and its enduring mission
• The impact of including recent alumni trustees on board composition
• How diverse perspectives have transformed personal growth and institutional policies

Strategic Planning in Higher Education:

• The importance of long-term thinking and continuous improvement
• Balancing tradition with innovation in institutional governance
• Strategies for adapting to changing societal needs while maintaining core values

Roles and Responsibilities of University Trustees:

• The unique bicameral governing body at Brown University
• Key responsibilities: policy setting, financial oversight, and presidential appointment
• Qualities sought in effective board members: "work, wealth, and wisdom"

Navigating Campus Crises and Controversial Issues:

• Lessons from handling periods of campus unrest and societal change
• The importance of including diverse viewpoints in governance
• Strategies for protecting academic freedom and fostering respectful dialogue

Leadership Development in Higher Education:

• The role of governance structures in cultivating future leaders
• Key leadership principles: humility, openness, and collaborative decision-making
• Balancing short-term needs with long-term vision

Adapting Governance for the Digital Age:

• Insights from recent alumni trustees on connecting with current student needs
• The impact of technology on board operations and decision-making
• Addressing new challenges in cybersecurity and data privacy

Three Key Takeaways for University Leaders and Boards

1. Embrace diversity in governance to enhance decision-making and responsiveness.
2. Foster a culture of continuous improvement through regular self-assessment and adaptation.
3. Balance institutional traditions with innovation to meet evolving societal needs.

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a call for university leaders to view governance as a foundation for effective leadership. By creating inclusive, adaptable, and purposeful governance models, institutions can navigate the complexities of modern higher education while staying true to their core missions.

Read the transcript or extended show summary on our website at https://changinghighered.com/university-governance-strategic-insights-from-brown/

#UniversityGovernance #HigherEducation #HigherEdPodcast

About Our Guest

Lauren Zalaznick has devoted her career in media to transforming the cultural landscape.

Zalaznick has received two Peabody Awards and numerous Emmy Awards. TIME magazine named her one of the “TIME 100: World’s Most Influential People,” and her interviews have been archived at the Television Academy Foundation. Her TED talk, “The Conscience of Television,” has been viewed and shared close to a million times. Zalaznick graduated with a degree in English from Brown University in 1984, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.

Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.