HLC Welcomes New Leaders to Board of Trustees

At a time of great change for higher education, HLC is welcoming new members to our Board of Trustees. 

Starting September 1, five new trustees will join the Board.  

With their addition, the Board will be comprised of 19 members, including seven who will be in their first year of service.  

“It will lead to new ideas and approaches by the Board in handling of accreditation policy and decision making, impacting member institutions and their students,” according to HLC President Barbara Gellman-Danley.  

“HLC is actively engaged in innovation while assuring alignment with the dynamic higher education marketplace, including new state and federal initiatives. We welcome Board members from within and outside of our industry to add insights into the best vision of accreditation for the future.” 

The newcomers include:  

Two other trustees have also joined the Board in the past year. Patricia Anslow started with HLC December 2024, and Eric Bolger joined the Board in June 2025. 

The new members acknowledge their appointment comes at an important time.  

“I see my service as a timely opportunity to help steward the future of higher education,” said Phelan. “At a time when we are increasingly being asked to demonstrate value, accreditation will be the framework and standard that supports institutional integrity and forward momentum.” 

The newcomers represent a variety of institutions with different priorities.  

“As a technical college president, my strength lies in understanding workforce needs and working with industry,” said Beaton-Garcia. “This experience should be useful in strengthening colleges and their regional economies, particularly at a time of increasing focus on aligning academic programs with market demands.” 

The new Board members will bring expertise in areas facing challenges. 

“I have come to understand how important it is that we develop the right responses and policies, not only to survive, but to strengthen our credibility,” said Guy, president of a tribal college and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. “Accreditation and HLC as an organization are important to the continuing credibility of our colleges and universities, and I look forward to bringing the tribal perspective to this effort.” 

Several of the new arrivals, known as public trustees, work outside of the higher education field, bringing a public perspective to the Board.  

“I have served on a number of audit committees and am appreciative of standards and overall guidance that we can give to organizations as a way for them to benchmark and create accountability,” said Bouyer. “I believe this to be a pivotal time for higher education and am happy to be able to take on this challenge and give in as many ways as I can.” 

Gellman-Danley said she looks forward to working closely this fall with the HLC Board.  

“The higher education marketplace is changing rapidly. In order to adapt, we need as an accreditor to continue to be a flexible and innovative thought leader. These new members will bring new perspectives, versatility and excitement to our efforts and work,” she said.  

More information about Board of Trustees members and their duties is available on the HLC website.