Keys to a Productive External Advisory Board, Part 2: Sustaining Board Focus and Interest

In our previous article, we outlined some key points that university leaders should consider when establishing a functional and productive external advisory board (EAB). Among them was that those chosen for board membership must be enthusiastic supporters of the institution and the school or college and should be of a stature to influence others in similar positions in the external environment. From the university side, the dean must be confident and comfortable working with high-placed individuals from the outside. We presented strategies for rebuilding or expanding the board as well as for making certain that the board has an appropriately diverse composition.