2014 CHAE Report - Great Expectations: A Longitudinal Study of New University Trustees
This report highlights the initial findings from a 2-year longitudinal study of the expectations and experiences of 12 newly appointed public university trustees in the State of Michigan.
Executive Summary
University trustees serve an important fiduciary and strategic role for the institutions
they serve. This report highlights the initial findings from a 2-year longitudinal study of the
expectations and experiences of 12 newly appointed public university trustees in the State of
Michigan. Based on interview and survey data, we provide findings about trustees’ expectations
concerning the roles and responsibilities of a board, the issues board members will engage in,
and sources of information they will rely upon to learn about their roles and make decisions
during their tenure as trustees.
About the Authors
Michael J. Zeig (zeigmich@msu.edu) is a graduate research assistant in the higher, adult, and lifelong education program at Michigan State University. He was previously employed in the Michigan Governor’s Office (2008-10) where he worked with university trustee appointments.
Roger G. Baldwin (rbaldwin@msu.edu) is a professor of higher, adult, and lifelong education at Michigan State University. Additionally, he is a trustee at Hiram College, serving since 1994.
Kathleen M. Wilbur (wilbu1km@cmich.edu) is the vice president of development and external relations at
Central Michigan University and a graduate student in the higher, adult, and lifelong education program at Michigan
State University. She previously served on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1991.
