13. Provosts Keeping the Faith: A Conversation with Donna Carroll, Kina Mallard, Lamont A. Wells, and Jeff Arnold

This episode features a conversation with four representatives of faith-based higher education organizations: Donna Carroll, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; Kina Mallard, Executive Director of the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities; Lamont A. Wells, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities; Jeff Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. This conversation explores the role of provosts at faith-based institutions, emphasizing their unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities in a secular society. The guests discuss the importance of strategic leadership, inclusivity, and maintaining religious identity while fostering academic freedom. They also highlight innovative practices for financial sustainability and the need to attract a diverse student body. The discussion concludes with personal book recommendations that reflect the speakers' insights and experiences in the field. Takeaways • Faith-based institutions can thrive by adapting to secular changes. • Moral leadership is crucial in today's educational landscape. • Inclusivity in academic culture enhances student engagement. • Provosts play a key role in balancing values and academic freedom. • Diversity should be embraced, not just tolerated, in faith-based settings.