Outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Grace Speights said she believes she fulfilled her responsibility as the top officer of the University’s oversight body by using her leadership to forge a sustainable path for GW and leave the University better off than when she started.
Throughout her seven years at the Board’s helm, Speights has navigated GW through consequential decisions like changing the University’s moniker, divesting from fossil fuels and weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, but she also faced community criticism for decisions like the arming of GW Police Department officers and the rejection of demands for divestment from weapons manufacturers and companies with ties to Israel. With her tenure as chair ending May 31, Speights said in a sit-down interview with The Hatchet all her decisions have left GW with a “foundation” she is proud of and have solidified the legacy of her leadership at the University.
“I do hope that my tenure is remembered for steady leadership, a commitment to thoughtful governance and a focus on guiding GW through some pivotal moments, but preparing it for a strong future and a successful future,” Speights said…