The Colorado School of Mines Foundation Board of Governors 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.
The Mines Foundation Board of Governors was selected for the award by transforming itself from a primarily fiduciary body into a high-performing, strategic fundraising and governance partner. Over more than a decade, the Board undertook a comprehensive self-reinvention—professionalizing leadership, restructuring governance, instituting accountability metrics, and committing personally to fundraising excellence. Through courageous decisions, including hiring the Foundation’s first full-time professional CEO and launching the institution’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the Board helped raise more than $1 billion across two historic campaigns, dramatically expand the endowment, and position the Foundation as the margin of excellence for a top-tier public STEM university. Their leadership strengthened alumni engagement, fueled campus transformation, and ensured Colorado School of Mines’ continued national competitiveness in research, innovation, and student success.
“This recognition from the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges is a tremendous honor for the Mines Foundation Board of Governors,” said Brian Winkelbauer, President and CEO of the Colorado School of Mines Foundation. “Over more than a decade, the Board embraced bold change and personal accountability, transforming itself into a strategic partner for Mines’ future.”
The Mines Foundation Board of Governors is one of four governing boards nationwide to receive the 2026 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. The other 2026 recipients are:
The Evergreen State College Foundation Board of Governors
Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees
University of Pikeville Board of Trustees
“Governing boards play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education through principled leadership, strategic decision-making, and sustained commitment to mission,” said Ross Mugler, Interim President and CEO of AGB. “The 2026 Nason Award recipients exemplify what is possible when boards lead with courage, clarity, and purpose. Their work strengthens institutions, serves students and communities, and sets a powerful example for higher education governance nationwide.”
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’s Nason Award at AGB.org/Award. AGB is the premier organization advancing excellence in higher education governance.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
