This short review examines the recent literature describing the trustee, his views, the board and its functions, and gives suggestions to improve the performance of governing boards. Included is a discussion of (1) authority and duties of governing boards, (2) presidential selection, (3) the trustee and his views, (4) arguments about the role of trustees, (5) diversifying boards of trustees and the results, (6) suggestions for improving board performance, and (7) concluding remarks. (WM)