Press Release Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

​communications@adhe.edu

LITTLE ROCK, AR (December 9, 2016) – The 2016 Trustees Conference convened at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock with Governing Board members from all over the state. In addition to board members, conference attendees included presidents and chancellors, as well as administrators from state and independent institutions. Hosted by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), the conference assists institutions in providing legislative mandated training for the trustees of public institutions of higher education.  This year’s conference was titled “Consequential Boards: Adding Value Where It Matters Most.” 

Resonating the conference theme, keynote speaker Dr. Jill Derby, a consultant with the Association of Governing Boards (AGB), spoke on fiduciary principles and habits of effective boards. Derby said the pace of change requires a new level of fiduciary engagement and this session focused on just that--habits and best practices of effective boards.  Derby also presented on consequential boards. She addressed the multiple risks facing higher education today and the changes in governance needed to address them. 

Lawrence White, AGB consultant, led a panel discussion on “The Advocacy Role for Boards: Making the Value Proposition,” with panelists consisting of board members, institutional representatives and college presidents. The panel focused on how boards and leaders can add value in their institutions and ensure public trust in higher education. White also presented on the top legal issues facing boards. 

Dr. Maria Markham, director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, presented an overview of the new Productivity Funding Model. Markham reiterated that the additional $10 million in higher education funding from the Governor is conditioned on the reform’s passage.  Markham also discussed the upcoming legislative session and relevant higher education topics. 

To download conference handouts and presentations, please visit our website at https://adhe.ade.arkansas.gov