The Association of Governing Boards released a study showing governing boards can play a decisive role in student success when they align governance, planning and budgeting around completion and equity. AGB’s year‑long review of four public institutions highlights ten shared practices — including making student success the organizing principle, using data to guide decisions, and sustained board‑administration collaboration. The report profiles California State University San Bernardino, Hostos Community College (CUNY), Kean University and Prairie View A&M as case studies. AGB urged trustees to move from episodic engagement to continuous oversight tied to student outcomes, offering checklists and governance questions for board use.