EdUp Provost

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Tondra De and Dr. Chris Heavey discuss the chapter on visible and shadow structures they wrote for The Chief Academic Officer's Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership. They examine the significant distinctions between visible and shadow structures in higher education, highlighting the importance of comprehending both for effective leadership. The discussion covers strategies for fostering collaboration, navigating informal networks, and addressing silos within institutions. They also explore the significance of communication, the role of provosts in shaping campus culture, and the importance of self-awareness and constructive feedback for effective leadership development.Takeaways• Visible structures are formal and documented processes.• Shadow structures are informal and influential networks.• Effective communication fosters collaboration and minimizes conflict.• Building personal relationships is key to navigating shadow structures.• Transparency helps combat misconceptions about the provost's office.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Kathy E. Johnson and Dr. Beth Ingram discuss their chapter “Seasons of a Provost” in The Chief Academic Officer's Handbook: A Provost’s Guide for Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). They explore the often-overlooked topic of provost career transitions, the importance of aligning with presidential vision, and the necessity of having a plan B for unexpected changes. They also delve into the dynamics of cabinet relationships, fostering faculty relations, and the reflective practices that can guide provosts in assessing their career paths. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on knowing when to stay or go in one's career and book recommendations that emphasize empathy and understanding in leadership.Takeaways• Provosts often operate in the background compared to presidents.• Career transitions for provosts are rarely discussed openly.• Aligning with the president's vision is crucial for provosts.• Having a plan B is essential due to high turnover rates.• Building a network of support can provide valuable insights.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Patricia E. Salkin discusses the evolving role of the provost in higher education, emphasizing the essential skills required for effective leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on academic expectations, and strategies for crisis management. She highlights the importance of building trust with faculty, balancing administrative duties with student engagement, and advocating for academic funding in resource-constrained environments. Dr. Salkin discusses the multifaceted role of a provost in higher education, focusing on the budget process, compliance with accreditation standards, strategic vision, work-life balance, and the evolving responsibilities of the position. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with deans and the president, the need for transparency in budgeting, and the challenges posed by changing regulations and societal issues. Takeaways• The role of the provost has expanded significantly in recent years.• Creativity and critical analysis are essential skills for provosts.• Networking and understanding institutional culture are key for aspiring provosts.• Crisis management requires strong communication and teamwork.• Provosts should maintain transparency and open dialogue with faculty.

In this episode of the EdUp Provost Podcast, host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Kevin R. Carman discuss the chapter on fundraising they co-wrote for The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide for Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). They delve into the evolving role of Chief Academic Officers (CAOs) in fundraising within higher education, exploring strategies for balancing academic leadership with fundraising responsibilities, the importance of building relationships with development offices, and engaging advisory boards in fundraising efforts. The conversation also covers aligning fundraising with academic priorities, leveraging alumni connections for corporate partnerships, and the significance of stewardship in maintaining donor relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on managing corporate partnerships and the personal transitions faced by academic leaders.Takeaways• Fundraising is increasingly vital for Chief Academic Officers.• Balancing academic leadership with fundraising is challenging.• Building relationships with development offices is essential.• Advisory boards can effectively engage alumni in fundraising.• Fundraising efforts should align with institutional priorities

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Forrest Anderson discusses the chapter on “What Makes an Effective Provost?” from the perspective of a dean. Dr. Anderson stresses the fact that provosts need to balance vision with day-to-day operations, build trust with faculty, and emphasize the significance of kindness in leadership. He explores the challenges provosts face, including navigating competing demands and ensuring that initiatives have a lasting impact despite their typically short tenure. Dr. Anderson discusses the challenges faced by provosts in higher education, including high turnover rates and the need for a cultural shift. They emphasize the importance of supporting faculty well-being through various means, such as professional development and community events. The discussion also underscores the importance of proactive leadership in fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion within academic institutions. Drs. Anderson and Thuswaldner explore strategic steps that provosts can take to foster an inclusive environment and reflect on the importance of literature in reigniting passion for education.Takeaways- Provosts should focus on setting a vision rather than getting bogged down in details.- Building trust with faculty can be achieved through informal interactions and transparency.- True shared governance involves listening to all stakeholders and making informed decisions.- Faculty often feel overwhelmed by administrative tasks, and provosts should work to alleviate this burden.- Kindness in leadership fosters a positive institutional culture and helps resolve conflicts.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Jennifer E. Walsh discusses her chapter “Chief Academic Vision Caster,” which appeared in the newly released Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). Dr. Walsh explores the evolving role of provosts in higher education, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership, community engagement, and collaboration with deans. She addresses the challenges posed by technological disruption and the need for institutions to adapt to changing workforce demands. Dr. Walsh shares practical strategies for fostering innovation while respecting traditional academic values and highlights the significance of managing relationships with university leadership to align academic vision with institutional goals.Takeaways• Provosts must balance day-to-day management with long-term strategic vision.• Collaboration with deans is essential for aligning institutional vision.• Innovation in academic programming must be balanced with tradition.• Provosts should manage up to ensure alignment with university leadership.• Engaging with the community can lead to new program development.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Anthony Laden discusses his book Networks of Trust: The Social Costs of College and What We Can Do About Them and explores the social costs of college education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the networks of trust that students form, how these networks are transformed in college, and the implications for faculty and staff. Dr. Laden addresses the need for inclusivity in politically diverse classrooms, the framework of epistemic nests, and the importance of charitable thinking in fostering a supportive learning environment. He advocates for recognizing the caring profession of teaching and the need for faculty development to better serve students from diverse backgrounds.Takeaways• There are two networks: social and informational trust networks.• College shapes students' informational trust networks.• Awareness of student transformation is crucial for faculty.• Political diversity in education requires open and welcoming spaces.• Charitable thinking helps bridge divides and promotes understanding.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Naomi Zack discusses her book on rethinking affirmative action and DEI initiatives in higher education, advocating for a framework of multiplicity and belonging. She critiques the limitations of current approaches and emphasizes the importance of the humanities in fostering human well-being. The discussion also touches on the challenges of class and upward mobility for first-generation students, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding in faculty development and curriculum design. In this conversation, Dr. Zack discusses the evolution of class theory, emphasizing a new perspective that allows individuals to embrace aspects of different social classes without abandoning their roots. She addresses the complexities of campus speech and the importance of reclaiming academic freedom amidst student activism. The dialogue also explores the dynamics of student protests, highlighting the need for better communication between faculty and students. Ethical considerations in higher education are examined, particularly regarding adjunct faculty and their treatment. Finally, Dr. Zack defines what it means to be 'College Smart' in today's context, advocating for flexibility and transparency in academic institutions, and reflects on the challenges of free speech on campus.Takeaways• Multiplicity allows for a broader understanding of student identities.• The humanities should focus on ethical dimensions and human well-being.• Class discussions are crucial for understanding first-generation students. The old theory of class assumes total identities determine interests.• New class theory allows for economic mobility without losing roots.• 'College Smart' requires flexibility and understanding of institutional dynamics.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. john a. powell discusses his book The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong, focusing on the concepts of bridging and breaking in higher education. He highlights the role of provosts and academic leaders in creating environments that foster connection, belonging, and understanding across diverse groups. Topics include free speech, the need for “safe enough” spaces, and the moral imperative to expand our circle of human concern. DR. powell emphasizes the importance of systemic change, the power of storytelling, and the courage required to navigate fear and resistance. The conversation also explores the evolving role of religion in building community and belonging.Takeaways• Bridging fosters connection and belonging across differences.• Academic leaders must model and support inclusive, compassionate dialogue.• Free speech must not dehumanize; “safe enough” spaces are key.• Bridging requires both personal courage and systemic change.• Storytelling and shared values—like dignity and belonging—strengthen community.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Steven Rogelberg discusses the importance of reframing meetings in higher education as opportunities for engagement and collaboration rather than mere obligations. He emphasizes the need for effective facilitation strategies to foster psychological safety and open dialogue, as well as the importance of intentional meeting design to enhance productivity. Rogelberg also highlights the significant costs associated with meetings and the necessity of evaluating their effectiveness regularly. Ultimately, he advocates for a shift in mindset towards meetings as a valuable tool for fostering trust and community within academic institutions. In this conversation, Dr. Rogelberg discusses the significance of effective meeting practices in higher education, emphasizing the role of stewardship in meeting leadership, the common pitfalls in meeting design, and the transformative potential of one-on-one meetings. He highlights the importance of intentionality, strategic focus, and the effective use of silence in meetings, while also addressing the impact of meeting location on engagement. Takeaways• Meetings can be places of gain when done well.• Effective meetings lead to better employee engagement and retention.• Establishing ground rules fosters psychological safety in meetings.• Leaders should talk less and listen more during meetings.• Framing agendas as questions can enhance engagement.