Nominate Candidates for HLC’s Board of Trustees

The Higher Learning Commission’s Board of Trustees is the governing board of the Higher Learning Commission. The Board of Trustees leads our work in serving institutions, considers policy matters related to accreditation, and takes actions related to institutions’ accreditation status. In preparation for our member institutions to elect new trustees in spring 2026, we invite you to nominate candidates to serve in this vital role.

Submit nominations using the form below by January 15, 2026.

Nomination Form

Questions?

Contact HLC at [email protected].

About the Board

The Board is made up of 16–21 Trustees. At least one of every seven Trustees is a representative of the public, and the remainder are employed by member institutions or otherwise involved in higher education. At this time HLC does not know how many Trustee seats will be available or if they will be for public members or for representatives of HLC member institutions.

Current Board Members Decision-Making Bodies and Processes

Considerations for Candidates

Please consider the following when nominating a candidate:

Experience and affiliations. Candidates may be employed at an HLC member institution or otherwise involved in higher education, or they may be members of the public who are unaffiliated with higher education. Trustees from member institutions typically come from the senior administrative ranks, particularly the presidency, and from the faculty. Public members cannot be, or have a familial relationship with, current employees, consultants, owners, shareholders, or members of the governing board of a member institution or higher education agency.
Diversity. HLC seeks a broadly diverse group of Trustees that is broadly representative of member institutions.
Expectations of service. Trustees are elected to serve a term of four years, with the possibility to extend for subsequent two-year terms, for a total of no more than 12 years of service altogether. Trustees commit to participating in three in-person business meetings a year, committee meetings as assigned, and attendance at HLC’s annual conference.

Review and Election Process

Nominations will be reviewed by the Board’s Committee on Trustees, who will prepare a slate of final candidates. A ballot will then be submitted to the membership for election in accordance with HLC bylaws. All nominations will be held in confidence by HLC and the Committee on Trustees until candidates are selected and have agreed to be slated.

Submit a Nomination

Nominations are due by January 15, 2026. All questions marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

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Your Information

Name*

First Last

Email*

Institution / Organization*

Title*

Nominee Information

Nominee's name*

First Last

Email*

Employment

Is the nominee employed at a college or university accredited by HLC?*

Yes

Institution name:*

Institution / Organization*

Title*

State*

Skills and Experiences

In what ways can the nominee contribute to HLC’s strategic planning efforts as it addresses the changing higher education environment?*

How can the nominee’s skills and experiences support the board’s commitment to fiscal management?*

How can the nominee’s skills and experiences assist the board in its responsibilities to consider policy matters related to accreditation?*

The HLC Board of Trustees is a working board. Attendance and meaningful participation in all yearly business meetings, committee meetings as assigned, and the annual conference are vital to the Board’s work. This includes in-depth reading of all meeting materials, which is often substantial. Will this nominee be able to commit the time needed to serve as an effective Trustee?*

Please share any additional information that can assist the Committee on Trustees in their consideration.

Upload the nominee's biography (optional).

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 15 MB.

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