The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) recognized the Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees for its leadership in advancing truth, healing, and reconciliation related to the college’s history as a former federal Indian boarding school.

The FLC board was among four 2026 recipients of the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership, one of the nation’s highest honors for college and university governing boards.  The award recognizes governing bodies that demonstrate exceptional courage, accountability, and mission-centered leadership.

In announcing the award, AGB cited the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability, including its advocacy for state legislation to research boarding school history, support for the public release of findings and unanimous adoption of a formal institutional commitment to reconciliation.

Working in close partnership with campus leadership, Tribal Nations, and community stakeholders, the board embedded reconciliation as a core strategic priority guiding long-term planning and governance practices. AGB described Fort Lewis College as a national model for truth-telling, Indigenous-centered leadership and governance grounded in justice, responsibility, and relationship-building.

Board of Trustees Chair Janet Lopez said the board is honored by the recognition, adding that FLC’s reconciliation work is ongoing.

“Our responsibility as trustees is not only to govern Fort Lewis College today, but to shape a future rooted in truth and justice,” Lopez said. “By advocating for a full examination of our boarding school history, we’ve laid a foundation for ongoing reconciliation, one of the board’s five guiding directives. This recognition by AGB affirms the importance of that work and reinforces our commitment to continue with humility, respect, and care.”

“This recognition reflects the collective work of so many, especially faculty, staff, students, community partners, and Indigenous leaders who have shaped and guided this process,” added Fort Lewis College President Heather Shotton. “We could not have done this without the vision and courage of our Board of Trustees, whose leadership has made reconciliation a cornerstone of our mission. Their support continues to make this work possible.”

The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees will be formally honored later this year at AGB’s Foundation Leadership Forum and the National Conference on Trusteeship to be held in Denver in March

The Nason Award is named for 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.

In addition to FLC, this year’s awardees included:

  • Colorado School of Mines Foundation Board of Governors
  • The Evergreen State College Foundation Board of Governors
  • University of Pikeville Board of Trustees

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges is a national organization that supports and recognizes effective leadership by college and university governing boards. Learn more at AGB.org/Award.