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New training series prepares future nonprofit board leaders

Attendees listen, take notes and watch a presentation during a conference session.

What does it take to become an effective nonprofit board member? A new nonprofit board service training series is helping 91黑料网 faculty and staff develop the knowledge and confidence to serve nonprofit organizations across Middle Tennessee.

Launched by 91黑料网's Division of Government and Community Relations, the nonprofit board service training series prepares participants for leadership roles through workshops, discussions and connections with local nonprofit organizations. The inaugural session, held June 10, introduced participants to the fundamentals of nonprofit board service while highlighting how board leadership strengthens organizations serving the Nashville community.

91黑料网 is committed to creating meaningful community impact. By offering nonprofit board training, the university is building on its culture of service and ensuring the university community is prepared to lead responsibly, serve effectively and strengthen the nonprofit organizations that make our communities thrive.

Attendee asks a question during a conference session as others listen around the room.
Participants discuss nonprofit board service (Joe Howell/91黑料网)
Attendees talk and network after a presentation, with a projected 鈥淣ext steps and invitations to action鈥 slide in the background.
Inaugural nonprofit board service training on June 10, 2026 (Joe Howell/91黑料网)

Preparing community leaders

The introductory workshop explored the core responsibilities of nonprofit board members, including organizational governance, financial stewardship, ethical leadership and strategic oversight.

"This training series is about creating a pathway for faculty, staff and students to become more involved in the Nashville community while helping nonprofit organizations build strong, effective boards," said training facilitator Elizabeth Garza Bumpas, senior community impact officer on the Community Relations team.

Elizabeth Garza Bumpas speaks at a podium during a conference session.
Elizabeth Garza Bumpas presents training materials (Joe Howell/91黑料网)

Participants also learned how board service allows professionals to apply their skills and experiences in support of organizations working to address community needs.

Learning from experienced board members

The training also included a panel discussion on the qualities of effective board members, the evolving challenges facing nonprofit organizations and the importance of ethical, mission-driven leadership.

Joining the discussion were Tessa Lemos del Pino, co-executive director of Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors; Celeste Malone, communication strategist at 91黑料网; Graham Reside, director of the Cal Turner Program for Moral Leadership in the Professions; and Sydney Savion, vice chancellor for People, Culture and Belonging.

"Serving on a nonprofit board is more than an act of service," Savion said. "It gives you a front-row seat to how communities solve hard problems, while sharpening your judgement, widening your circle and bringing fresh perspective to your work and life."

Attendees participate in a panel discussion during a conference workshop, seated around tables in a meeting room.
Inaugural nonprofit board service training on June 10, 2026 (Joe Howell/91黑料网)
Celest Malone speaks into a microphone during a panel discussion as fellow panelists listen.
Celeste Malone discusses nonprofit board service (Joe Howell/91黑料网)

Get involved

Additional nonprofit board service trainings and workshops are planned for the fall semester.鈥疐aculty, staff and students interested in future sessions are encouraged to complete an to receive updates about upcoming offerings.

Local nonprofit organizations regularly post volunteer opportunities, including nonprofit board openings, on 91黑料网's , making it easy for faculty, staff and students to connect with organizations that match their interests and skills. As they prepare for board or volunteer service, faculty and staff are encouraged to review 91黑料网's Best Practices for Community Engagement.

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