The Board of Trustees is Willamette’s governing body. They work to preserve and protect the institution by helping to define, support, and protect its mission and appropriately balance its obligations to current and future generations of students.
The board is composed of up to 60 volunteer trustees, a diverse group of leaders in their respective fields who share their talent, expertise, and resources to advance the university and who are united by a deep affection and commitment to Willamette.
The board establishes strategic policy and direction, oversees the university’s financial affairs, approves the university’s budget and major financial expenditures, program initiatives, and construction projects, and stewards the endowment and other capital resources. The board also appoints and supervises the President who serves as Willamette’s chief executive officer and who is also a trustee.
The board does not direct or participate in the day-to-day management or operations. Primary responsibility for the academic programs and management and operations of the university is delegated to the President, administration, and faculty.
The board meets in person three times a year–in October, February, and May. A committee structure provides the framework for the board to oversee the important functions for which it is responsible. Student and faculty representatives from each school participate in all board meetings together with the president’s leadership cabinet, and other invited guests.