News & Insights

Have you been keeping up with events at the University of Virginia this summer? Rarely is the drama of higher education governance staged for such a public audience. In case you weren’t paying attention, here’s a timeline:

  • June 10: It is announced that Teresa Sullivan will step down as president of the university.
  • June 10–27: Students protest; faculty and deans call for reinstatement; alumni paint bold messages on cardboard; the university community is in an uproar.
  • June 27: The university board of visitors votes unanimously to reverse their previous decision and reinstate Sullivan.

There seem to be significant philosophical differences between Teresa Sullivan and Helen Dragas, the chair of the board, on how best to lead the University of Virginia into the future. But why was this firing so contentious? I think one article summed it up nicely: “Here was the board of a top school sacking a well-regarded leader without evidence of wrongdoing, unpopularity, or political missteps.”

The blowback may have been more about perceptions than actual substance. The deeper issues here — the purpose of public university education, the importance of a liberal arts curriculum, the speed at which universities ought to embrace new educational technologies — weren’t necessarily the reason for the ruckus.

Rather, to many observers, the board’s action lacked transparency and appeared underhanded — maybe even political. This may be a misperception, but perceptions are important, especially when dealing with a community as fraught as a university.

In Trust will be looking at the University of Virginia case more closely in the months to come. Is there a lesson here for seminary boards?

Image credit

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us