College boards of trustees are responsible for helping ensure that students receive the best college experiences possible. In this episode, Alison Griffin and Dr. P. talk about the roles and responsibilities of boards of trustees, including common misconceptions and the ways in which the work of a board can positively impact students.

Alison Griffin is Senior Vice President at Whiteboard Advisors, a mission-driven communications, research, and consulting firm that supports organizations working to advance educational equity and economic mobility. Alison's experience on the implementation side of higher education and workforce development, and as a grantmaker, is reflected in her practical understanding of how policy shapes practice. Her career in postsecondary education policy includes two terms as a policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. House of Education and the Workforce, as well as an early career role with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities where she guided state policy development. Alison joined Whiteboard Advisors after leading national engagement, government relations and external affairs for Strada Education Network.

Alison believes the solutions to our most pressing education and workforce challenges from access to affordability to the alignment between skills and employment are rooted in thoughtful collaboration among a growing community of diverse voices. As a natural convener and connector across policymakers, impact investors, entrepreneurs, practitioners and employers, Alison is often at the center of moderating conversations and guiding solutions among national and state-level subject matter experts.

Alison is a frequent commentator in the media on issues at the intersection of postsecondary education and employment. She is a Forbes contributor and her opinion pieces have appeared in The Hill, The Washington Post and EdSurge. Alison co-leads Whiteboard’s postsecondary education practice from Boulder, Colorado. Appointed by Governor Jared Polis (D) in 2019 to the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees, Alison currently serves as chair of the Board. She is the vice chair of the Board of the Colorado League of Charter Schools and served the state of Colorado as a 2020 Governor’s Fellow. Alison holds a masters degree in education from the University of Georgia and graduated with undergraduate degrees in business and psychology from Southern Methodist University. As an avid reader and live music lover, her goal each year is to read more than 52 books and see at least 20 concerts.

Alison Griffin on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Forbes

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Colorado Mesa University

Got a question about college? Email Dr. P. at amelia@speakingofcollege.com