NEWS IN BRIEF September 2026

ARTICLE

Finding Your Next Role - Strategies for Advancing Your Academic Leadership Career

In this two-part series written for The Department Chair, AGB Search Principal Laura Woodworth-Ney and Senior Executive Search Consultant Andrew Bowen share their insights on the executive search process and how to stand out as a candidate. With a combined 24 years of experience in higher education searches, Dr. Woodworth-Ney and Mr. Bowen provide invaluable tips, from preparing for the next steps in your career to the characteristics institutions are looking for in their future leaders.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Accepting Applications

The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education is now accepting applications to its prestigious training program for aspiring college and university presidents. More than 180 Fellows have completed the program, with 30 becoming presidents or chancellors and many others advancing in their careers.

The Institute’s value is rooted in:

• One-on-one mentoring from higher education leaders during the program and beyond
• A focus on both leadership and governance in today’s complex higher education environment
• High level networking with peers from across the country
• Personalized guidance on the executive search process

The Institute is designed for innovative, adaptive leaders who have a passion for higher education and a commitment to shaping the future of the sector. Start your path to the presidency.

COMING SOON

A Complete Guide to Presidential Search for Universities

and Colleges

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) will soon publish the third edition of A Complete Guide to Presidential Search for Universities and Colleges. Written by founding Managing Principal of AGB Search Dr. James (Jamie) Ferrare and Dr. Melissa Trotta, Associate Managing Principal and Sr. Vice President for Client Development, the book offers expert advice and best practices for Trustees, hiring authorities, search committees, and candidates. Stay tuned for the book release next month.

AGB NEWS

Is Your Board Prepared for the New Economics of College Athletics?

A new Government Accountability Office analysis found that 94% of Division I athletics programs spent more than they generated in athletics revenue in 2023–24, with institutions using billions in tuition, fees, and other resources to help close the gap.

At the same time, an AGB Pulse Survey found that only 32% of higher education leaders say their boards are well prepared to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities in today’s changing athletics landscape.

That gap matters as boards face increasingly consequential decisions about athletics.

At AGB’s The Governance Challenge in College Athletics: Mission, Finance, and Board Oversight, November 10–11 in Washington, DC, board members and institutional leaders will gain practical guidance to strengthen oversight, ask better questions, and evaluate athletics decisions through the lens of mission, financial sustainability, and student interests.

The decisions are getting harder. Give your board the knowledge to make them well.

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Institute for Leadership & Governance



AGB Search

Advancing Higher Education Leadership