21. Navigating Change in Higher Education: A Conversation with Brian Rosenberg

In this episode of EdUp Provost, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, discuss the challenges and strategies for leading change in higher education. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of political skill, inspiration, and modeling desired behaviors for provosts. The conversation covers various topics including the need for agility in academic structures, strategies for curricular reform, lessons from global education models, and the balance between maintaining rankings and fostering innovation. Dr. Rosenberg also addresses the financial pressures facing institutions, the importance of engaging faculty in change processes, and the need for equity and access in higher education. He advocates for an entrepreneurial mindset among provosts and highlights the necessity of resilience in leadership. Takeaways • Provosts must rely on political skill and inspiration to lead change. • Building coalitions is essential for effective leadership in academia. • Educating the community about institutional challenges fosters understanding. • Curricular reform should reflect the evolving nature of disciplines. • Global models of higher education can inspire innovation in the U.S.