| The newsletter for chairs of theological school boards, Vol. 4, No. 10 |
Faithful governance, faithful boards
| Every board leader has to ask: What does faithful governance look like in a time of disruption? Higher education is changing rapidly, and theological schools are not immune. In a recent episode of the Good Governance podcast. Rick Staisloff, a longtime leader in higher education, offers practical wisdom for governing faithfully while preparing institutions for an uncertain future. Often, leaders may focus on changing programs, structures, or partnerships. Rick challenges leaders to consider the mission first: What does the world need from your institution, and how can you fulfill that mission most effectively today? He argues that leadership is “about your responsibility to bring the mission forward in new powerful ways that have impact.” “And if changing, even radically changing, is the way to bring that mission forward, I think it’s incumbent upon you to step into that and have the courage to do it,” he said. “I really do. I think that’s what we’re called to. It is at the heart of servant leadership, right?” Good leadership is always focused on the future, and for the past several years, we have talked about strategic leadership, adaptive change, and field intelligence – some of the things that help leaders pave the way to the future. Rick’s clear call and the way he frames approaching the future is well worth listening to, and I’d invite you to listen to the conversation here. I’d love to hear your thoughts about how you’re thinking about the future and what challenges are you facing. Would you let us know? Thanks for all you do in theological education, Amy Kardash President, In Trust Center for Theological Schools |
