Expert Witness for Higher Education & University Governance

An authority on academic leadership and institutional governance, Douglas M. Brown combines executive academic leadership as Dean Emeritus with extensive trustee and regent experience at Stanford and the University of New Mexico. As an expert witness or litigation consultant, he provides uniquely informed analysis and testimony.

Academic Leadership Experience

Dean, Anderson School of Management (2009-2014)

  • • Led business school with 1,800 undergraduate, graduate, and executive students
  • • Achieved full re-accreditation and record fundraising
  • • Secured commitment for new school building
  • • Managed faculty, curriculum, and operational oversight
University Governance

Chair, University of New Mexico Board of Regents (2019-2023)

  • • Oversight of flagship university: 23,000 students, 5 campuses, $3.5B budget
  • • 38 years of continuous service to University of New Mexico

Former Trustee, Stanford University

Crisis Management Experience

New Mexico State Treasurer

Successfully remediated a scandal-ridden agency, implementing comprehensive reforms and restoring public trust in state financial management.

University Crisis Leadership

Guided institutions through challenging periods, including financial constraints, regulatory changes, and governance disputes.

Areas of Higher Education Expertise

University Governance
  • • Board of regents/trustees responsibilities
  • • Presidential search and evaluation processes
  • • Strategic planning and institutional direction
  • • Policy development and implementation
Academic Administration
  • • Dean and senior leadership responsibilities
  • • Faculty hiring, tenure, and promotion processes
  • • Curriculum development and accreditation
  • • Student affairs and academic integrity
Financial Management
  • • University budgeting and financial oversight
  • • Tuition and fee structure development
  • • Endowment and investment management
  • • Capital projects and facility planning
Compliance & Ethics
  • • Federal and state regulatory compliance
  • • Title IX and civil rights obligations
  • • Research integrity and misconduct
  • • Athletic compliance and governance
Institutional Relations
  • • Public-private partnerships
  • • Alumni relations and fundraising
  • • Community engagement and outreach
  • • Legislative and government relations
Risk Management
  • • Campus safety and security protocols
  • • Insurance and liability management
  • • Crisis communication and reputation management
  • • Legal compliance and dispute resolution

Higher Education Litigation Experience

Governance Disputes
  • • Board authority and decision-making processes
  • • Presidential contracts and termination issues
  • • Faculty tenure and promotion disputes
  • • Institutional policy and procedure challenges
Financial and Administrative
  • • Budget allocation and resource management
  • • Endowment and investment oversight
  • • Contract disputes and vendor relations
  • • Facilities and capital project issues
Compliance and Regulatory
  • • Title IX and civil rights compliance
  • • Research misconduct and integrity issues
  • • Athletic compliance and NCAA matters
  • • Student affairs and disciplinary procedures
Academic and Employment
  • • Faculty employment and tenure disputes
  • • Academic freedom and free speech issues
  • • Student academic and disciplinary matters
  • • Institutional accreditation challenges

Bring Higher Education Expertise to Your Case

I look forward to discussing the situation at your client's institution, as well as how I can add value as a expert witness or litigation advisor.