The University of Alabama’s board approved a new School of Leadership and Policy—the first new UA division in six decades—part of a broader governance push to align academic structures with workforce and civic goals. Trustees framed the move as a strategic investment in leadership development and policy research. A recent AGB report profiles governance practices that link board oversight to student success, arguing that boards and administrators can accelerate outcomes by adopting cross‑institutional accountability, clearer metrics and targeted investments. Boards cited in the report emphasize partnership with campus leaders to translate governance into measurable impact.