Lessons from Our Recent Board Meetings: What Worked and What We Can Do Better

We just wrapped a round of board meetings, and I walked away encouraged by what worked and some areas we can improve on Here are the big takeaways:

What Worked Well

Pre-Read Materials
Sending members pre-read materials (and even a few guiding questions) was a game-changer. People showed up ready to dive in and the conversations were more focused and productive.

Student Presentations
Hands down, the highlight of every meeting was the student presentations. Whether they were sharing their research or talking about a organization they lead, the impact on the board members was evident. And when students highlighted projects funded by gifts, it was a great moment of stewardship as members saw their support in action.

SWOT-Style Discussions
When we framed conversations around “what the college needs to do to remain relevant and excel,” members leaned in. These strategic, forward-looking discussions invited members to share insights we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

Advancement Updates with a Call to Action
Updates that paired recent gifts with compelling stories resonated. When we asked for help, like sharing their contacts at target companies, members appreciated having a concrete way to contribute.

Where We Can Improve

Attendance Challenges
Last-minute cancellations hurt. Going forward, we need to identify key members early, secure their commitment well in advance, and think about having these members present at the meeting and anchoring meetings around high-value events on campus (career fairs, student showcases, etc.) to make it worth the trip.

Dean’s Updates
While informative, some updates ran long or covered old information. Members want fresh insights, what’s new, what’s changing, and where they can get involved. It’s a reminder that less is often more.

Conclusion

The most successful council meetings are the ones where members come prepared, hear directly from students, and walk away with specific ways to help. If we keep leaning into those elements, we’ll only strengthen engagement moving forward.