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Recommendation 2: Achieve greater representation of BIPOC as well as other identifications of underrepresentation on the Trinity Board of Trustees
Recommendation 2: Achieve greater representation of BIPOC as well as other identifications of underrepresentation on the Trinity Board of Trustees.
Rationale: In the United States, we have come a long way from institutions that were entirely and primarily male for much of our history. Yet, university trustees remain overwhelmingly White male over 50 creating an urgent need for diversity and inclusion at this level (AGB, 2020). Fundamentally, greater BIPOC as well as other identifications of diversity among Trinity University Board of Trustees corresponds to greater innovation, increased diverse perspectives, and better problem-solving. Furthermore, greater diversity at the highest decision-making level will have influences top-down and will permeate institutional systems, resource-allocation, strategic planning, and more. Currently, the Trinity Board of Trustees recognizes a need for greater diversity and is making progress in that area, especially related to gender makeup; however, the majority of the current members identify as a White male. The Board is limited in size by charter but presently has not achieved full membership. Therefore, opportunities exist for membership growth that can meet this recommendation for greater diversity in the Trinity Board of Trustees’ representation.
Stakeholders: President, Board of Trustees
Recommended Actions
Charge theBoard of Trustees to examine board policies, procedures, and actions that will lead to diversifying board membership.
Charge the Board of Trustees to explore the advantages and disadvantages of Board term limits.
Performance Indicators
Outcomes of this process will be shared with University leadership and the TU community broadly.
Term limits will be on, at least, two future Board agendas to achieve discussion, consideration, and final decisions.
Responsible Parties
President; Board of Trustees Executive Committee
President; Board of Trustees Executive Committee
Suggested Timeline:
● Identify future Board of Trustee meetings in 2020-2021 at which diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for membership are discussed. Consideration of this topic for priority as a standing agenda item or committee responsibility should be discussed. ● The Board should discuss with the President and the Executive Leadership Team any outcomes of these discussions and any actionable items that can lead to greater racial diversity on the Board by the beginning of the May 2021 Board meeting.
