HLC is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on our governing board. The Board of Trustees leads our work in serving institutions, considers policy matters related to accreditation and takes actions related to institutions’ accreditation status.

We appreciate input from our membership in identifying candidates in preparation for member institutions to elect new trustees in spring 2026.

Nominations will be accepted until January 15, 2026.

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.

View current Board members

Considerations for candidates

• 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.

Questions?

Contact HLC at [email protected].