Lead or Fall Behind: New Book Highlights How Boards Will Shape Higher Education’s Digital Future

WASHINGTON, DC (January 22, 2026) — As colleges and universities confront unprecedented pressures on enrollment, finances, and public trust, governing boards can no longer treat digital transformation as a back-office concern. Today, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and Ellucian announce the release of a timely new publication, Digital Transformation for Colleges and Universities: How Governing Boards Shape Strategy for Success, designed to help boards lead decisively in a moment that will define the future of higher education.

“A crucial issue which can easily go overlooked among boards is their institution’s ability to keep up with technology and digital capabilities,” said Ross Mugler, AGB’s interim president and CEO. “Maintaining a continual plan and process of digital growth is just as important for institutions as serving their staff, students, community, and mission. It is vital that institutions focus on their digital transformation as they prepare for the future of higher education.”

“A trustee who understands digital transformation in healthcare, finance, or manufacturing still needs context-specific guidance for higher education’s unique challenges,” said Laura Ipsen, president and CEO of Ellucian. “From managing complex academic systems to balancing innovation with tradition, the digital transformation in higher education is already underway.”

At a time when institutions are being asked to do more with fewer resources—while responding to evolving student expectations, emerging technologies, and growing competition—Digital Transformation for Colleges and Universities will help position governing boards as essential leaders of change, not passive bystanders.

“Written specifically for trustees and board leaders, it demystifies digital transformation and equips boards with the knowledge and strategic questions they must bring to the table,” Mugler said. “This will help ensure their institutions remain competitive, resilient, and mission-aligned in a rapidly changing landscape.”

Key topics in the book include:

• Roles of the Board, President, and Chief Information Officer in Digital Transformation
• Example Questions for Boards to Consider Before Investing in Digital Transformation
• Current Student Needs and Expectations
• Board Structures that Support and Advance Digital Transformation
• Technology’s Role in Higher Education Delivery Models
• Considerations for Scaling and Expanding Digital Learning Tools
• How to Chart a Strategic Course for Transformation

The book is available for purchase through AGB, with complimentary digital access for members. To learn more or to order a copy, visit here.

About AGB
At AGB, we believe in the power of higher education to transform lives, strengthen inclusive democracy, and support a thriving society. We believe that strong higher education starts with great governing boards. AGB provides advocacy, leading practices, educational resources, expert support, and renowned programs that advance board excellence for 40,000 AGB members from more than 2,000 institutions and foundations. For more than 100 years, AGB has been the trusted authority for board members, chief executives, board professionals, and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership. Learn more at AGB.org.

About Ellucian

Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,800 customers across 50 countries, serving 20 million students. Ellucian’s AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrollment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian’s innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes. For more, visit www.ellucian.com.