As the academic year drew to a close this month, two of Washington’s finest universities found themselves grappling with crises in governance, both of which offer vital lessons for American higher education.

American University is nearing closure on a set of reforms prompted by last fall’s scandal over profligate spending by an out-of-touch president, and Gallaudet University is attempting to ease resistance among some students and faculty toward the board’s selection of Jane K. Fernandes to succeed President I. King Jordan.

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