AGB emphasized that rebuilding public trust in higher education starts with governing board capacity—especially trustee orientation and ongoing education. In a CEO update, AGB said boards are operating under heightened political pressure, financial uncertainty, and skepticism about institutional integrity, requiring clarity on fiduciary duties, governance boundaries, and the oversight role relative to presidents. AGB cited internal research suggesting many trustees lack confidence in their understanding of fiduciary responsibilities; it also pointed to a Utah survey where most trustees did not know their role includes monitoring spending and overseeing the president. The update argues effective orientation is now “foundational,” positioning trustee education as an immediate governance lever amid scrutiny of value, affordability, accountability, and transparency.