Higher Education Institution Governing Boards: Difference of Role Across Institution Type

Traditionally established, higher education governing boards, usually referred to as boards of trustees in the United States, and their influence on private and public colleges and universities, have had varying formations, composition, and structures. Generally, boards of trustees are the guardians and stewards for their institutions and for public interests; they ensure their legal and moral responsibilities to their institutions and their publics. There are, of course, differences of roles of trustees across institution types. Private universities and colleges, public universities and colleges, and community colleges, although governed by lay boards of trustees, hold positions of trust. All college and university boards act to promote healthy governance, are guardians for change and advocates for their institutions, have fiduciary responsibility, and act as protectors of institutional ...