"The next 10 years are going to be a bumpy ride for many colleges and universities. The single most important factor in keeping institutions alive and thriving will be building a dynamic board."
Dr. David HouseImmediate-past President Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Our Vision
Understanding the Need
Today's academic governing board is charged with oversight of the institution's mission or strategic direction, finances, academic programs and standards, as well as the succession plan for leadership. When it is necessary to add members to the board, the traditional focus has been to seek out successful individuals who are committed to the school. Nominations are often alumni, friends or associates of current board members. This has left many boards lacking the depth of professional knowledge and the variety of experiences needed for effective governance.
Meeting the Need
Our objective is not simply to fill vacant governing board seats. It is to find outstanding men and women who are motivated to serve and who possess particular skills that will complement a given board's collective expertise. Furthermore, we seek opinion leaders - those individuals who will have a highly positive influence on other board members.
Expanding the opportunity to apply for higher education governing board service sets the stage for determining trustee selections based more broadly on the intersection between an individual's expertise and a given board's greatest needs. Today, with many independent colleges and universities facing severe financial stress and some at risk of failure, we believe that by significantly strengthening the governing board there is a better chance to effect a turnaround.
Our Mission and Vision
The mission of the R. H. Perry Foundation is to provide the highest level of trustee search for college and university governing boards.
Our vision is to make this process available for use throughout the academy such that it will become standard procedure for strengthening governing boards, and by extension, the institutions they serve.