Board Chair Newsletter – March 2026

What is a board supposed to do with all the changes in higher education?

Keeping track of the changing requirements for theological schools is one thing, and then trying to react is another. There has been a constant drumbeat of policy change, and waiting to see what will happen can be nerve-racking.

Peter Lake, a law professor and expert on higher education policy, calls this “an inflection point on a thousand-year scale.” In a new episode of the Good Governance podcast, Lake and David Rowe, a former school president, consultant, and current governance coach, discuss how schools can engage in this inflection point.

They offer sound – and practical – advice about how schools can prepare. For example, they discuss engaging with lawmakers and drawing on those relationships to help schools navigate what’s ahead. They also talk about participating in any policy process surrounding changes to accreditation. And, among other things, they talk about how schools should consider students’ and employees’ needs as well as the institution’s missional focus during this time.

It’s a robust conversation that can help you and your leadership frame a discussion on the changes to higher education policy, and I invite you to listen to it. I’d also suggest visiting our Wise Stewards Initiative page. On it, you’ll find the Core Essentials for Good Governance, which help a board understand its work. You’ll also find other resources to help you think through these times and frame your response.

Please reach out to us here as you consider this. We’re happy to help provide curated resources and conversation partners as you do your work.

Thanks for all you do in theological education,

Amy Kardash