Earlham President Anne Houtman joins AGB Council of Presidents

Earlham College President Anne Houtman has been appointed to the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) Council of Presidents. The council leverages the experience, perspectives, and insights of its members with active leadership roles to strengthen strategic board governance across higher education.

The AGB Council of Presidents includes esteemed representatives from a range of public and private institutions, including domestic and international. This diversity affords the council a broad pool of experiences that help inform AGB about the obstacles and macro-level trends that governing boards face. In turn, AGB leverages its advisory groups to create tools and resources that benefit over 2,000 institutions and 40,000 members.

“I am delighted to join a distinguished group of my peers on the Council of Presidents and to share my knowledge and perspectives in shaping the future of board governance across higher education,” Houtman said. “The challenges facing higher education require all of us to come together to ensure the long-term viability of our institutions and support the diverse needs of our students. For colleges to successfully navigate these challenges, senior leadership and board members need to be aligned on strategic priorities. At Earlham, the partnership we have with our own Board of Trustees is essential as we envision a 21^st-century liberal arts education.”

The challenges facing higher education require all of us to come together to ensure the long-term viability of our institutions and support the diverse needs of our students. For colleges to successfully navigate these challenges, senior leadership and board members need to be aligned on strategic priorities. At Earlham, our partnership with the Board of Trustees is essential as we envision a 21^st-century liberal arts education.”

— Earlham President Anne Houtman

The Council of Presidents is one of seven councils that enhance AGB’s thought leadership. The other six councils similarly represent key leadership roles and priority areas: Board Chairs, Board Professionals, Finance Committee Chairs, Foundation Leaders, Senior Fellows, and Student Success.

“Our council members generously agree to lend their time and talent to advancing strategic governance across higher education,” said Henry Stoever, AGB president and CEO. “Alongside the AGB Board of Directors, AGB consultants, and other board governance experts, the AGB Council of Presidents ensures that boards across the country are receiving leading and practical guidance on salient topics throughout the year. These council members help to ensure that we are aware of not only what’s going on at that moment but also what they need to know from AGB to lead with confidence and knowledge in the boardroom. It’s a crucial partnership, and I appreciate their hard work.”

This is Houtman’s second major appointment in the last year. She also has joined a 14-member working group of the Higher Learning Commission in the fall to envision the future of accreditation. The HLC is exploring a new model for differential accreditation in higher education through the lens of the mission at each college or university.