College and university governing boards are made up of elected or appointed individuals who are obligated to work together in achieving institutional goals. Effective governance requires high levels of trust, respect, and social interaction among board members who must commit to serve as stewards of the institution’s resources. The institution’s mission and its needs—not the personal priorities of individual board members—always determine decisions made by reputable boards.

Effective governing boards assess their performance and monitor the conduct and ethics of individual members. While most college and university board members serve their institutions competently, loyally, respectfully, and cooperatively, there are those who do not and who are sometimes referred to as rogue members. This entry describes rogue board members and their negative impact on the governance of ...