Definition

Noun: A group of people who are elected or appointed to oversee and direct the policies, management, and financial health of an institution, typically an educational, charitable, or cultural organization. This body holds fiduciary responsibility and ultimate governance authority for the institution.

Usage

The term "board of trustees" is used to refer to the collective governing body of an institution. It is treated as a singular entity when referring to the board as a whole unit, but its members are plural. * The board of trustees is responsible for the university's long-term strategy. * The board of trustees meets quarterly to review financial reports. * The members of the board of trustees are elected for three-year terms.

Examples

• The board of trustees approved the new budget for the art museum.
• She was appointed to the hospital's board of trustees last year.
• Major decisions, such as hiring a president, require a vote by the board of trustees.
• The board of trustees oversees the endowment fund to ensure the college's future stability.

Advanced Usage

• "To sit on the board of trustees": To be a member of the governing board.
  • He sits on the board of trustees for several non-profit organizations.
• "Trustee emeritus": An honorary title for a former trustee who remains affiliated with the board, often without voting rights.
  • After 20 years of service, she was named a trustee emeritus.

Variants and Related Words

• Board of directors: A very similar governing body, more commonly used for for-profit corporations but also for some non-profits. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though "board of trustees" is traditional for foundations, universities, and hospitals.
• Board of regents: A specific type of governing board, often for a state university system or public institution.
• Trustee (n): An individual member of a board of trustees.
• Fiduciary (n/adj): Relating to the legal and ethical responsibility of a trustee to act in the best interest of the institution.

Synonyms

• Governing board
• Board of governors
• Board of directors (context-dependent)

Related Phrases

• Fiduciary duty: The legal obligation of the board to act prudently and in the institution's best interest.
• Board meeting: A formal gathering of the trustees to conduct business.
• Chair of the board: The leader or presiding officer of the board of trustees.

Noun

1. a governing board elected or appointed to direct the policies of an educational institution