The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) has honored the Furman University Board of Trustees for its exceptional leadership and \u201cstrong focus on governance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Furman is one of six winners nationwide of the AGB\u2019s John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. AGB president Richard D. Legon said there were more than three dozen submissions for the award and the judges were unanimous in their decision to honor Furman.<\/p>\n
The competition was judged by six higher education leaders and chaired by Phil Bredesen, former governor of Tennessee.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrustees play an essential role in guiding the university, and Furman has been fortunate to have had outstanding board members who care deeply about the university,\u201d said Furman President Elizabeth Davis. \u201cIt would not have been possible to undertake a challenging initiative like The Furman Advantage without our Board of Trustees providing an extraordinary level of support and leadership. The board is certainly deserving of this award.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the AGB, the honored boards \u201cgo above and beyond what boards should do, and instead take board-driven measures to advance their institutions in ways that truly matter.\u201d The boards also demonstrate \u201cinitiative\u201d and \u201cunusual courage in the face of difficult circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to accept this award from the AGB on behalf of the Furman Board of Trustees, acknowledging the board\u2019s dedication to service of our university,\u201d said Alec Taylor, chair of the board and a 1975 graduate of the university. \u201cBut good governance is a community effort, and we want to thank the faculty, staff and students for their important contributions to this award as well. We gratefully accept this award and also recognize the efforts of all trustees who have served Furman over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Furman\u2019s board currently has 31 trustees and 11 trustees emeriti. It provides leadership and guidance to the university while shaping its goals, policies and practices. The board meets at least three times each academic year.<\/p>\n
The board\u2019s efforts this past year to align its governance practices and structure with strategic initiatives, including The Furman Advantage, was the focus of its nomination for the Nason award. Trustees will accept the award in April at the AGB\u2019s National Conference on Trusteeship, and AGB will feature Furman in a case study on board leadership in an upcoming issue of Trusteeship magazine.<\/p>\n
AGB is the premier organization centered on governance in higher education. Founded in 1921, its membership includes 1,300 boards representing 1,900 colleges, universities and institutionally related foundations.<\/p>\n