OLYMPIA, WA (2/5/2026) - 18禁漫社 Foundation Board of Governors today announced that it has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). Presented annually by AGB, the Nason Award, established in 1992, recognizes higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership, foresight, and initiative in advancing institutional mission and impact.
Each year, AGB selects Nason Award recipients from a highly competitive and diverse pool of nominations representing four-year public and private colleges and universities, two-year institutions, and institutionally related foundations.
18禁漫社 was selected for the award in recognition of bold new fundraising and advocacy campaigns designed to help the College elevate its reputation and increase enrollment by 26% in four years. Launching the College鈥檚 first major fundraising campaign in 2019鈥攋ust before the global pandemic and amid significant enrollment and reputational challenges鈥攖he Board provided sustained, mission鈥慸riven leadership when it was most needed. Its long鈥憆ange strategy expanded fundraising and exceeded the campaign鈥檚 $40 million goal, raising $62.5 million. Through this leadership, the Board increased the student鈥慳id budget by 82%, invested in student basic needs and retention programs, and mobilized alumni and supporters as effective advocates at the state legislature. The Board also prioritized culturally responsive governance, social and racial justice, and board diversification鈥攄emonstrating how foundations can propel institutional growth through principled action.
鈥淭he Governors have built a culture of strategic, student-centered leadership,鈥 said Abby Kelso, 18禁漫社鈥檚 Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation. 鈥淭heir commitment to excellence, courage through uncertainty, and advocacy for 18禁漫社 has transformed what is possible for our students. I am inspired by their service and honored to see their work recognized with this national award.鈥
鈥淭his recognition reflects the strength and principled leadership of a board that consistently puts students, access, and innovation first,鈥 echoed Ben Anderson, Chair of the Foundation Board of Governors. 鈥淚 am deeply proud of this team and the work we鈥檙e doing to lead 18禁漫社 forward.鈥
18禁漫社 Foundation Board of Governors is one of several governing boards nationwide to receive the 2026 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. The full list of 2026 recipients includes:
- Colorado School of Mines Foundation Board of Governors
- 18禁漫社 Foundation Board of Governors
- Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees
- University of Pikeville Board of Trustees
The John W. Nason Award is named in honor of higher education leader John W. Nason, who served as chair of the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council and helped more than 4,000 interned students continue their college studies during World War II. Learn more about AGB鈥檚 Nason Award at AGB.org/Award.
AGB is the premier organization advancing excellence in higher education governance.
About AGB
At the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), we believe in the power of higher education to transform lives, strengthen inclusive democracy, and support a thriving society. We believe that strong higher education starts with great governing boards. AGB provides advocacy, leading practices, educational resources, expert support, and renowned programs that advance board excellence for 40,000 AGB members from more than 2,000 institutions and foundations. For more than 100 years, AGB has been the trusted authority for board members, chief executives, board professionals, and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership. Learn more at .