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  • SCU Named Recipient of 2022 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by Association of Governing Boards
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SCU Named Recipient of 2022 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by Association of Governing Boards

WHITTIER, CA – (Jan. 26, 2022) — The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) announced today that Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has been selected to receive the 2022 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. AGB is the premier organization representing higher education governing boards. The Nason Award, established in 1992, is presented in partnership with TIAA to higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative.

This year’s honorees were chosen from a diverse array of nominations illustrating the crucial work of boards from both public and private institutions, statewide systems, and institutionally related foundations. The award selection committee placed special significance on boards focusing on justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The SCU Board of Regents worked in conjunction with senior administrators to reimagine core board and institutional priorities, including revisiting the university’s mission, vision, and values, and provided them the capacity to oversee a revitalized academic program review and degree expansion, a more robust and sustainable budget process, and a growing graduation pipeline that partners with community colleges and other universities in the area. These changes directly contributed to a thriving institution that increased enrollment, financial health, and student and faculty satisfaction.

“On behalf of the SCU Board of Regents, I wish to convey my sincere congratulations to everyone who contributed their efforts which resulted in SCU receiving this remarkable award from AGB,” said SCU Board of Regents Chairman, Dr. Thomas Bakman. “This honor is attributed to the sustained endurance put forth from our Board of Regents, President, Dr. John Scaringe, his Cabinet, faculty, and staff who serve the students of SCU each and every day. I am proud and truly honored to offer my sincere appreciation to AGB for bestowing this esteemed honor to SCU, as it’s a testament to the resilience and forethought in integrative patient care for the future.”

SCU is one of six institutions receiving this year’s Nason Award. Other recipients include the Adler University Board of Trustees, the Community College of Rhode Island Foundation Board of Trustees, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors, the University of Memphis Board of Trustees, Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors.

“Strategic governing boards are critical to higher education’s success—not only to the financial vitality of the institutions and foundations that higher education boards oversee, but also for the millions of students who enroll and graduate every year. It is also evident that boards have an important role to play in elevating justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout campus and in the board room. We hope that recognizing boards who serve as dedicated, strategic thought partners with chief executives and leadership teams will give others the courage to lead in a similar fashion,” said Henry Stoever, AGB president and CEO. “I am excited to share and celebrate the great work and success that these honorees have achieved when we hold our upcoming events.”

SCU will receive the award at an upcoming board meeting, and will be honored throughout the year at AGB events and programs.

The Nason award is named for higher education leader John W. Nason, who served as the chair of the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council and helped more than 4,000 interned students continue their college studies across the nation during World War II. Learn more about AGB’s Nason Award at www.AGB.org/Award.

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