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By: Amy Charles | February 20, 2026
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) 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.
The UPIKE Board of Trustees was selected for the award in recognition of its three decades of visionary leadership that transformed a financially fragile rural college into a comprehensive regional university, expanded nationally recognized health professions programs, strengthened institutional stability and built a vital healthcare workforce pipeline serving Central Appalachia and other rural, medically underserved communities
“The University of Pikeville is stronger because of the thoughtful, mission-driven leadership of our board of trustees,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “This honor from AGB affirms the board’s strategic guidance and its steadfast commitment to student success, institutional excellence and service to our Appalachian communities.”
UPIKE 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, The Evergreen State College Foundation Board of Governors, Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees and 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 Interim President and CEO of AGB Ross Mugler. “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.