The evolution and role of the lay board of control (trustees, directors) of higher educational institutions and the part the board has played or may play in maintaining diversity in the American system are examined. The evolution of the lay board in the United States and in the United Kingdom is described. The lay board has become "the American mechanism for bridging public accountability and the professional autonomy of academicians." The use of the lay board provides a means whereby special interest groups might establish educational institutions. The single board of control provides the means for maintaining individual identity and independence as expressions of decentralization, corporate pride, competition, and breadth of choice. The shift from the strong board to the strong college president and administrative staffs has resulted in a difficult position for the lay board. Problems result for the board as the college's purposes become more encompassing and functions more diffuse. The board is under the law of the institution and must be accountable to the public, but the board is also the instrument whereby the public makes its concerns known to the institution. Changes affecting American higher education and the role of the lay board include the growth of statewide governing and coordinating boards and the presence of a collective bargaining unit. (SW)