Trustees of Dartmouth College

The Trustees of Dartmouth College are the governing body of Dartmouth College, a prestigious private Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Board plays a critical role in advancing the mission and goals of the institution.

Governance Structure

The Board of Trustees consists of twenty-six members, including the President of the College and the Governor of New Hampshire, who serve in an ex officio capacity. The remaining positions include sixteen Charter Trustees and eight Alumni Trustees. Charter Trustees are nominated and elected by the Board itself, while Alumni Trustees are nominated by the alumni and elected by the Board. Both types of Trustees carry out identical duties and powers, typically serving no more than two four-year terms.

Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for strategic oversight and management of Dartmouth College. Their key duties include:

• Acting as fiduciaries: Trustees must act in the best overall interest of Dartmouth, prioritizing their stewardship role with a commitment to the strengths, traditions, and values of the institution.
• Participating in decision-making: They participate constructively in Board and committee meetings, contributing to informed deliberations.
• Advancing the mission: Trustees represent Dartmouth positively, help secure necessary resources, and contribute financially to support the institution's mission.
• Upholding integrity: They maintain confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and adhere to high professional standards.

Historical Significance

The Trustees of Dartmouth College were at the center of a landmark case, Trustees of Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819), where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the college's charter, granted by King George III in 1769, was a private contract protected by the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This decision solidified the autonomy of private corporations in the United States and established Dartmouth as a pioneering example in American corporate law.

Operations and Impact

The Trustees play a pivotal role in ensuring that Dartmouth College is well-managed and adequately resourced. They are involved in appointing and evaluating the President, approving strategic plans, and maintaining good relations with various stakeholders. The Trustees also support initiatives that enhance Dartmouth's educational programs, research opportunities, and community engagement.

Leadership and Legacy

Throughout their history, the Trustees of Dartmouth College have been composed of distinguished individuals who have shaped the institution's trajectory. They have included notable figures from academia, business, and government, each contributing their expertise to foster Dartmouth's growth and mission fulfillment.