9. The Entrepreneurial Provost: A Conversation with Jeffrey Buller

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Jeffrey Buller discuss the concept of entrepreneurial academic leadership, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in higher education. Dr. Buller, a higher education expert for over 30 years, differentiates between genuine entrepreneurial leadership and cliched descriptors. This episode explores the challenges faced by provosts and highlights the importance of balancing profit orientation with institutional mission. Dr. Buller also addresses the necessity of calculated risk-taking, owning mistakes, and the evolving landscape of higher education leadership.

Takeaways

• Entrepreneurial academic leadership requires flexibility and adaptability.
• The term 'entrepreneurial' can mean different things to different people.
• Provosts face unique challenges in balancing diverse academic programs.
• Profit orientation should focus on reinvesting in the institution.
• Mistakes are inevitable; owning them is crucial for growth.