Introduction to Board Governance
Introduction to Board Governance
This course is designed to equip new or veteran trustees with the foundational knowledge and strategic insights required to effectively lead and serve on the board of a Christian higher education institution. Each module can be completed separately for use in board development on the respective topic. The areas covered are: New Trustee Orientation, Fiduciary Responsibility, Mission Accountability, Strategic Planning, and Board Development.
Instructors: Dr. John Derry is President Emeritus of Hope International University in Fullerton, CA where he served for sixteen years as president. He has also served as president of Dallas Christian College, a vice president at Milligan University, and as a coach and program coordinator in the ABHE Excellence in Board Governance program. Joining him for conversations about various board functions, are Dr. Jim Barnes and Dr. David Gyertson, who have extensive experience as university presidents and as board coaches with the ABHE.
84 Minutes
of Video
5 Lessons
31 Activities
10 Hours
Total Effort
Learning Objectives
This course aims to equip you to:
- Explain the responsibilities of Christian college trustees, including the three legal duties and the role of board handbooks and policy manuals.
- Identify the elements of financial oversight, including financial reporting, institutional health, and accreditation and regulatory requirements.
- Describe the board's role in protecting institutional mission, including mission drift, heritage, and presidential succession.
- Distinguish between the fiduciary, strategic, and generative modes of governance, and describe the board's role in strategic planning.
- Identify the practices that strengthen board effectiveness, including trustee recruitment, board–president relationships, self-assessment, and addressing dysfunction.