30th Anniversary History Book

HIGHLIGHTS NASON AWARD

“They lead step-by-step demonstrations of reasoning,” Chandler said. “If a student presents a question, the professor has to either support the logic the student is using or refute it.” Other strategies required of faculty are continuous feedback so that students know how they’re doing at all times; a supportive climate of inquiry so that students feel safe speaking out; and authentic assessment. “We use a variety of assessment measures,” Chandler said. “We don’t like true-or-false tests because they typically create confusion.” An ideal assessment tool lets students solve vague problems. “With ill-defined problems, it opens up the evaluative system to demonstrate course mastery,” Chandler said, “so it allows students to bring their different talents and learning styles to the assessment.” THIRD LAYER: LEARNING ENVIRONMENT The third layer of Beacon’s pedagogical model requires small class sizes, high expectations and abundant support services. “Our writing center, mathematics lab, mental health counselors, life independence educator, assistive technologies and learning specialists

For the role the Beacon College Board of Trustees played in steering the college through the transition from long-tenured President Emerita Deborah Brodbeck to President George J. Hagerty, the board was named one of five winners of the 2017 AGB John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. The award is bestowed by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, which with a membership of 1,300 boards representing 1,900 colleges, universities, and institutionally-related foundations, is the premier organization centered on governance in higher education. The AGB recognized the board for its bold and dynamic leadership. Beacon was selected among the five from a record pool of nearly 70 candidates. The Beacon “story stood out to the judges because it highlighted the board’s strong leadership in the face of significant challenges,” the AGB noted in the award letter. The Nason Award is named for the former president of Swarthmore College and Carleton College, and president of the Foreign Policy Association, who perhaps is best known for helping more than 3,000 Japanese-Americans march from World War II detention camps into college classrooms. AGB notes it salutes “boards that go above and beyond what boards should do, and instead take board-

driven measures to advance their institutions in ways that truly matter.” Winning boards exhibit: • Exceptional leadership and initiative; • Distinct contributions to strengthening governance and trusteeship; • Unusual courage in the face of difficult circumstances; or • Significant achievement that benefits the institution, system, or foundation. Beacon College’s board of trustees sets the institution’s strategic direction in broad strokes, directs critical investments in personnel and infrastructure and provides support and oversight to the president and the college’s leadership team. Because of its legacy as a college founded

provide a wealth of support tailored to the needs of each student,” Chandler said.

in Leesburg in 1989 by parents, several board members are chosen from among accomplished alumni parents.

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