As U.S. colleges and universities confront mounting political tensions and financial pressures, two institutions—UC Riverside and the University of Michigan—have launched a significant new effort: the Center for Strategic and Inclusive Governance (CSIG). These forward-looking higher education initiatives are designed to help university governing boards stay grounded in their core priorities—student success, equity, and long-term institutional viability.
Turning Policy Into Practice: A Proactive Approach for Boards
CSIG represents one of the most promising higher education initiatives in recent years, translating intricate legal and policy changes into actionable strategies. Rather than simply reacting to shifting landscapes, the center empowers boards to lead with strategy. Spearheaded by Raquel Rall, associate professor and associate dean of strategic initiatives at UCR’s School of Education, alongside Demetri L. Morgan, associate professor of education at the University of Michigan, the center aims to enhance decision-making during uncertain times.
Addressing Knowledge Gaps Among Trustees
University boards often consist of trustees drawn from legal or corporate backgrounds—individuals who may not initially grasp the full complexity of higher education systems. These trustees carry weighty responsibilities including setting policies, hiring institutional leaders, and managing significant financial resources. Yet many enter these roles with minimal exposure to the nuances of academia or the evolving needs of diverse student populations.
CSIG tackles this head-on. Backed by $400,000 in private, non-governmental funding, this new center delivers extensive resources, ongoing support, and targeted training tailored for trustees. Its mission is to simplify complex issues and offer accessible guidance, all while promoting accountability and equitable outcomes.
“We want CSIG to function like the Google of higher education governance,” explains Rall. “Whether a trustee at a small liberal arts school is learning the ropes, or a university president is looking for sample board policies, CSIG provides templates, expert advice, and real-time support.”
The center is already consulting with institutions and is assembling a national advisory board made up of legal professionals, former trustees, and higher education leaders. A digital platform is also in development, with a full rollout expected later this year.
Expanding the Reach of Higher Education Initiatives for Governance
CSIG isn’t the only effort reinforcing leadership capacity within higher education. The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), a well-established organization in this space, has also launched several key higher education initiatives in recent years. These programs place student success and equity at the heart of effective governance.
Between 2021 and 2022, AGB secured major foundation support to build a training curriculum focused on board oversight of student outcomes. A grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation enabled the creation of a multimedia toolkit, helping trustees measure progress and close achievement gaps. These tools emphasize that student-centered leadership is fundamental to an institution’s fiscal health and core mission.
Building on this, AGB partnered with the John N. Gardner Institute and Ascendium Education Group to develop the Governing Board Equity in Student Success Project. This program established a leadership academy for trustees, presidents, and administrative teams—piloted in Kentucky’s public colleges—to advance data-informed strategies for retention and graduation.
AGB has also launched the Council for Student Success, supported by AT&T, which brings together trustees, executives, faculty, and administrators. This diverse group shares on-the-ground experiences and effective practices, helping shape AGB’s offerings to better reflect institutional realities.
Protecting Academic Freedom and Inclusion Through New Leadership Models
Another noteworthy addition to the growing list of higher education initiatives is the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Academic Leaders Task Force on Campus Free Expression. Launched in 2020 and co-led by former college presidents from across the ideological spectrum, the task force produced a landmark report in 2021 titled “Campus Free Expression: A New Roadmap,” with updated guidance released in 2024.
This initiative is a response to tensions around campus speech and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Some argue DEI policies may unintentionally curb open dialogue, while others warn that restrictive state laws threaten academic freedom. The task force’s Roadmap and its tailored 2024 toolkits provide pragmatic advice for trustees, presidents, and campus leaders—guiding them in crafting policies that balance open inquiry with inclusive values.
A Collective Vision for the Future of Higher Education
Ultimately, these higher education initiatives share a core conviction: that universities serve as a vital public good. Informed, strategic governance is essential not only to protect academic programs but to safeguard the very foundation of higher education. As the landscape grows more complex, these efforts are lighting the way for leadership that is visionary, accountable, and committed to equity.