In 1867, when Johns Hopkins incorporated the University bearing his name, he established a Board of Trustees composed of 12 leading citizens. He provided that vacancies were to be filled by the Board, a self-perpetuating body. After Mr. Hopkins’ death in 1873 and the probate of his will, which provided the University’s original endowment, the Trustees set out to establish the Johns Hopkins University and select its first President.
As the University’s chief governing body, the Board continues to exercise duties and responsibilities that are fundamental to the University’s existence and advancement:
- It selects a President and gives the President vigorous support so long as the Chief Executive performs the duties of the office to the satisfaction of the Trustees. Only the Trustees can appoint and remove the President.
- It helps raise the funds needed for the development and operation of the University.
- It protects the financial integrity of the University and sees to it that all funds are used for the purposes prescribed.
- It sets the policies for the management of the University's investments and makes the income available to fund the University’s expenses.
- It determines and provides for the University’s physical needs by overseeing the maintenance and expansion of its facilities.
The Trustees, in turn, look to the President to keep them intimately informed on all aspects of University affairs, opportunities and problems. At each meeting the President presents many recommendations for Board approval.
The Board does not direct the University's educational and research activities. Responsibility for those matters is delegated to the faculties, under the leadership of the President, Provost and Deans.
The Board of Trustees meets four times a year, usually in
October, December, March, and June. The June meeting is the
Annual Meeting at which Trustees and Officers are elected
and the University’s budget for the next fiscal year
is adopted.
Most Trustees also serve on at least one board committee.
A list of these can be found at http://trustees.jhu.edu/committees.php.
Committees usually meet the day before the board meetings.
While the Trustees pay all their own expenses incurred in attending meetings, Young Trustees may charge legitimate expenses, such as transportation, accommodations and meals, to the University.
About 60 percent of the Trustees are Johns Hopkins graduates. Other members are graduates of other distinguished universities. For a list of current Trustees, go to http://trustees.jhu.edu/members.php.
