Miami board of trustees nationally recognized

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) has awarded Miami University’s board of trustees with the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. It is one of six boards so honored out of 40 nominations.

A panel of six higher education leaders unanimously lauded Miami for its board's “farsighted vision and dedicated leadership.” The John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership honors educational boards “serving at the pinnacle of excellence … boards that go above and beyond what boards should do, and instead take board-driven measures to advance their institutions in ways that truly matter.”

Recipient boards demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership and initiative;
• Distinct contributions to strengthening governance and trusteeship;
• Unusual courage in the face of difficult circumstances; or
• Significant achievement that benefits the institution, system, or foundation.

Miami’s 17-member board of trustees includes 11 trustees appointed by the governor of Ohio, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Per the Ohio Constitution, each of the gubernatorial appointees must be an Ohio resident, and two must be enrolled students. The board selects up to six additional national trustees, who are notable, highly-respected alumni residing outside the state of Ohio. The national and student trustees are non-voting board positions.

Miami’s board includes members that have served in numerous other capacities, including on Miami’s foundation board, the alumni board, dean’s advisory councils, the entrepreneurship program, the Humanities Center, internship programs, the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, at alumni and reunion events, with the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies, as pre-law program mentors and founding and continuing members of Miami’s Initiative for Advancing, Mentoring and Investing in Women (M.I.A.M.I. Women), and more.

“The generous and consistent commitment of our trustees is evident in all they do for Miami,” said Miami University President Gregory Crawford.  “They give their time and considerable knowledge to study paths and processes that support growth and sustainable practices for Miami. Every one of our trustees has had and continues to have Miami’s best interest at heart, and for that we are forever grateful.” 

Trustees support a culture of academic creativity and innovation, for instance, being strong supporters of Miami’s cross-disciplinary Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies (AIMS) and the interdisciplinary entrepreneurship program, which enrolls students from 70 majors.

The culture of innovation is reflected outside the classroom as well, through a facilities improvement plan which does more than renovate and build, it also incorporates far-sighted, long-term changes in energy infrastructure, operations and practices. As of FY2018, due to diligent efforts and a comprehensive utility master plan, Miami has reduced carbon emissions by 33 percent, and energy consumption by 36 percent, on a square foot basis, over the 2008 baseline.

“It is extremely important to all board members that Miami continue its legacy of preparing students for success and graduating leaders,” said David Budig, chair of Miami’s board. “We share this award with our outstanding faculty, staff and highly motivated students.  They deserve much of the credit for Miami’s numerous achievements and high rankings. I am grateful to all trustees, past and present, whose vision for Miami has driven them to engage with the university, seek solutions and work side by side with Miami's administration to create an outstanding experience for all Miami students."

Miami’s board’s commitment to strategic planning and efficient use of funds are among reasons U.S. News & World Report says Miami is the No. 1 most efficient school among top national universities when comparing spending and educational quality.

Drawing upon their collective many years of leadership experience, the board helped guide the creation of Miami’s Lean Initiative, and foster an environment where it has thrived. This set of principles and techniques designed for continuous improvement and the elimination of waste focuses on increasing revenue, improving productivity, reducing costs, cost avoidance and ‘green’ initiatives. To date, the Lean Initiative has completed more than 1,400 projects, with a total cost savings/avoidance or new revenue generation of nearly $80 million.

The AGB is the premier organization centered on governance in higher education. Its membership includes 1,300 boards representing 1,900 colleges, universities, and institutionally-related foundations.