Trustees of Dartmouth College

The Trustees of Dartmouth College are the governing body of Dartmouth College, a private Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Board is responsible for managing the institution's affairs by setting policies, overseeing its financial operations, and ensuring that the college achieves its mission and goals.

Composition

The Board of Trustees consists of twenty-six members, including the President of the College and the Governor of New Hampshire, who serve ex officio. The remaining members are divided into two groups: sixteen Charter Trustees appointed by the Board itself, and eight Alumni Trustees nominated by the alumni and elected by the Board. Both types of Trustees have the same powers and duties.

Responsibilities

The Trustees play a crucial role in:

• Fiduciary Stewardship: Trustees act as responsible fiduciaries, prioritizing Dartmouth's interests and making decisions that benefit the institution.
• Strategic Leadership: They advance Dartmouth's mission by approving institutional strategies and policies, and by ensuring alignment with the college's values and traditions.
• Governance and Accountability: Trustees appoint and evaluate the President, providing oversight to maintain institutional accountability.
• Resource Management: They work to secure financial and human resources necessary for the institution's success.
• Confidentiality and Integrity: Trustees uphold confidentiality and adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

History

Dartmouth College was founded in 1769 with a charter that granted corporate powers and privileges to its Trustees. The Trustees have been central to shaping Dartmouth's history, including significant legal milestones such as the landmark case Trustees of Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819), where the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the college's corporate charter and protected its independence from state interference.

Contemporary Role

Today, the Trustees continue to face challenges in fostering alumni engagement and balancing the interests of diverse constituencies within the Dartmouth community. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to their stewardship role, focusing on long-term strategic planning and maintaining the institution's autonomy and integrity.