Dr. Marcus Ward completes AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education
JANS – Dr. Marcus Ward, senior vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the ASU Foundation, Inc., recently completed the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education.
He was among 19 fellows from colleges and universities around the country graduating in the sixth cohort.
“More and more, we recognize that choosing to pursue the office of the president is a calling,” said AGB Search Managing Principal & CEO and institute co-founder Dr. Rod McDavis. “The AGB Institute offers the opportunity to create a different style of presidential leadership to pursue that calling, and we congratulate the Class of 2024-2025 for all of their hard work and dedication during the program.”
The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance is a rigorous six-month program composed of two symposia, four online workshops, and a shadowing experience with a sitting president. The institute features more than 30 higher education expert presenters including current and former presidents, trustees, search consultants, and other sector professionals.
“Participating in the AGB Institute for Leadership and Governance has been an invaluable personal and professional growth experience for me. The incredible training and information received from the program has thoroughly deepened my understanding of the role of boards and governance, stakeholder engagement, and the critical importance of strategic leadership in institutional success. I am grateful to our Alcorn State University leadership for the opportunity to learn from esteemed higher education leaders and fellow participants, and I look forward to applying these insights to further strengthen our mission and impact for the future.”
The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance was founded in 2019 to prepare aspiring presidents to successfully attain and serve in the top leadership position. To date, 138 leaders have completed the program, and 24 have become presidents or chancellors.
The American Council on Education’s 2023 American College President Study shows that the average tenure of college presidents is decreasing. Colleges and universities are faced with a dearth of qualified leaders to meet the demands of the higher education sector. The institute aims to provide support to higher education leaders by fortifying participants with mentorship and peer networks as participants undergo their leadership journey together.
