The University of Tulsa has been selected to receive a 2025 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). AGB and its mission partner TIAA present the Nason Award, established in 1992, to higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative.
AGB chose this year’s honorees from a diverse array of nominations illustrating the essential work of boards from four-year public and private colleges and universities, two-year institutions, and institutionally related foundations.
Amid profound challenges, The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees redefined itself as a model of strategic leadership in higher education. Facing accreditation warnings, financial instability, and campus unrest, they conducted a self-assessment to create a smaller, more active body with diverse skills and a commitment to shared governance.

“Change and sustainable success require a sincere partnership between all university stakeholders,” said Marcia MacLeod, chair of the UTulsa Board of Trustees. “We must recognize and value the crucial role that our faculty and donors play in this journey.”
Bold decisions, such as appointing interim and permanent presidents aligned with the university’s strategic goals, and fostering faculty collaboration, drove reforms, including revitalizing academic programs, launching an Honors College, and achieving record-breaking National Merit scholar enrollment. A unified strategic plan led to a clean accreditation report, stronger finances, and a boosted national reputation, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future.
“The University of Tulsa is honored to receive this award, which recognizes the very productive partnership among the Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty. This partnership has led to a sweeping transformation of the university,” said UTulsa President Brad Carson. “During the past three years, our university has seen record domestic student enrollment, increased academic standards, financial sustainability, and historic retention rates. The UTulsa Board of Trustees has played a vital role in supporting this transformation.”
The University of Tulsa is one of five institutions receiving this year’s Nason Award. Other recipients are the Metropolitan State University of Denver Board of Trustees, Northern Arizona University Foundation Board, Notre Dame of Maryland University Board of Trustees, and Tennessee Tech University Foundation Board.
“Governing boards play an instrumental role in shaping the future of higher education through their vision, dedication, and innovative leadership,” said Fram Virjee, AGB president and CEO. “This year’s Nason Award recipients exemplify the transformative impact that boards can have, not only on their institutions but also on their broader communities. Their commitment to excellence and strategic governance inspires us all, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
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.
AGB is the premier organization advocating strategic board governance in higher education. TIAA is a Fortune 100 financial services organization dedicated to helping its clients pursue financial well-being.