EdUp Provost

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.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host D. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton discusses her evolving perspective on leadership, particularly from the margins, emphasizing the importance of resilience, courage, and vulnerability. She highlights the power of storytelling in higher education and how provosts can use their unique experiences to advocate for their institutions. The discussion also addresses the tensions faced by provosts in navigating faculty advocacy and institutional realities, especially in politically charged environments. Hinton encourages leaders to remain hopeful and committed to their personal and institutional missions, even in challenging times. In this conversation, Mary Dana Hinton discusses the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and mentorship in higher education. She emphasizes the need for provosts to embrace their vulnerabilities while advocating for their institutions. Hinton also highlights the significance of understanding the diverse needs of students and the role of marginalized institutions in providing opportunities. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the importance of resilience and the value of mentorship in fostering diverse leadership.Titles• Leading from the Margins: A New Perspective• Courage and Vulnerability in Higher Education Leadership• The Transformative Power of Storytelling• Navigating Tensions in Academic Leadership• Resilience and Hope in Higher Education

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Stan Taylor and Dr. Karri Holley explore the evolving landscape of doctoral education, emphasizing the importance of global perspectives, the changing roles of supervisors, and the need for programs to adapt to diverse career paths. It addresses equity, access, and inclusion, as well as the challenges of maintaining quality amidst rapid growth. The impact of the pandemic on educational delivery and the future of international student mobility are also discussed, alongside innovative approaches to measuring success in doctoral programs.Takeaways• Doctoral education is often overlooked in higher education discussions.• Global trends are influencing doctoral education in the US.• The role of doctoral supervisors is becoming more complex.• There is a need for doctoral programs to prepare students for diverse careers.• Equity and inclusion are critical in doctoral education.

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner and Milton E. Clarke discuss the Community College Reform Movement, exploring its ideological foundations, the influence of neoliberalism, and the impact on faculty governance and institutional memory. They emphasize the need for shared governance and the importance of retaining institutional knowledge as educational policies evolve. In this conversation, Thuswaldner and Clarke discuss various aspects of higher education reform, focusing on community colleges. They explore the importance of building community among retired faculty, the implications of performance-based funding models, and the challenges posed by acceleration and online education. The discussion also highlights the need for reforms that prioritize teaching and learning, as well as the potential futures for community colleges in the face of austerity or reinvestment. Finally, Milton Clarke shares book recommendations that have influenced his views on education reform.Takeaways• The Community College Reform Movement is shaped by various ideological and economic forces.• Embedded neoliberalism highlights the inconsistencies in educational reform policies.• Performance-based funding and workforce development are gaining traction in both community colleges and four-year institutions.• The diminishing role of faculty in governance poses challenges for academic freedom.• Empowering faculty and creating community is essential for effective governance.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Skrentny discusses the disconnect between the number of STEM graduates and the actual demand for STEM workers, emphasizing systemic issues within higher education and the role of provosts. He critiques the prevailing shortage rationale for STEM education and advocates for a focus on foundational skills that prepare students for a volatile job market. The discussion also highlights the importance of embedding ethics into STEM curricula and the interconnectedness of universities, employers, and investors in shaping the workforce. Takeaways• There is a significant disconnect between STEM graduates and the actual demand for STEM workers.• The shortage rationale for STEM education is often overstated and needs critical analysis.• Universities should focus on sustaining careers, not just launching them.• STEM graduates may not want to pursue traditional STEM jobs, highlighting the need for diverse career paths.• Embedding ethics into STEM education can help students understand the societal impact of their work.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Musa Al-Gharbi discusses his book 'We Have Never Been Woke', which critiques the prevailing narratives in higher education regarding social justice and progressivism. He introduces the concept of 'symbolic capitalism' and explores the disconnect between intentions and outcomes in educational institutions. Dr. Al-Gharbi highlights the hostility faced by socially conservative views in academia and emphasizes the importance of belongingness over mere inclusion. He critiques the effectiveness of current DEI initiatives and calls for a reevaluation of credentialing practices that perpetuate inequality. In this conversation, Dr. Al-Gharbi discusses the perception of academia, the political biases within higher education, and the implications of these biases on public trust. He emphasizes the need for universities to acknowledge their shortcomings while defending their value and academic freedom. Dr. Al-Gharbi also reflects on the historical context of social dynamics and the importance of understanding these patterns to avoid repeating past mistakes. Takeaways• The title 'We Have Never Been Woke' challenges existing narratives.• Higher education often perpetuates inequality despite progressive intentions.• There is a significant disconnect between intentions and actual outcomes in academia.• Belongingness is a crucial factor for student success and retention.• Current DEI initiatives often fail to produce desired outcomes and can be counterproductive.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Jessica Riddell discusses the importance of hope in leadership within higher education, emphasizing that hope is an active practice rather than a passive stance. She explores the challenges faced by academic leaders, the need for a shift from scarcity to abundance, and the role of students as truth tellers in navigating systemic change. Dr. Riddell also imagines a new paradigm for universities, termed 'Hope University', which focuses on co-creation and inclusivity in educational practices.Takeaways• Hope is not a soft concept; it is expansive enough to hold despair.• Toxic positivity can erase the discomfort necessary for transformation.• Provosts and academic leaders must model abundance and generosity.• We need to change our narratives from scarcity to abundance.• Hope University would prioritize co-creation and inclusivity.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Joshua Brown discusses his book, 'Capitalizing on College: Higher Education Went from Mission Driven to Margin Obsessed.' They talk about the financial pressures reshaping higher education, the tension between mission-driven values and the need for financial sustainability, and the transformation of campuses to attract students. Dr. Brown shares insights from his research, including misconceptions about financial sustainability, strategies for balancing academic missions with financial needs, and the importance of educational opportunity over mere access. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovation in higher education while remaining true to institutional values.Takeaways• The transition from mission-driven to margin-obsessed institutions is significant.• Financial pressures are reshaping the landscape of higher education.• Institutions must balance their mission with financial sustainability.• Innovative strategies are necessary for institutions to thrive financially.• Provosts should focus on creating caring university environments.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant and Dr. David A. Rettinger explore the importance of academic integrity in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in educational institutions. They discuss how provosts can support faculty and students in viewing integrity as a learning goal rather than merely a rule to follow. Dr. Bertram Gallant and Dr. Rettinger highlight the challenges faced by faculty in redesigning courses and assessments, the role of AI in shaping academic integrity policies, and innovative assessment methods that promote integrity. The discussion also touches on the need for effective training and support for faculty to integrate integrity into their teaching practices. Dr. Rettinger and Dr. Bertram Gallant discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the need for academic integrity and ethical reasoning in students. They explore the challenges faced by educators in adapting to new educational paradigms and the importance of intentional teaching of ethical decision-making skills. The discussion also touches on generational differences in perceptions of academic integrity and offers actionable steps for institutions to foster a culture of integrity. Takeaways• Faculty need time and support to address integrity.• Provosts can influence institutional integrity policies.• Learning should be the focus of integrity policies.• AI tools present both challenges and opportunities.• Course design must prioritize student engagement.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Emmanuel Nartey discusses the transformative potential of Generative AI in higher education, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, equity, and ethical considerations. He outlines the guiding principles for integrating AI into teaching and learning, advocating for a shift from traditional assessment methods to innovative pedagogical approaches that prioritize personal development and lifelong learning. The discussion also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, urging institutions to embrace change and prepare students for a future where AI plays a significant role. In this conversation, Dr. Nartey discusses the ethical use of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. He explores how educators can balance AI's benefits with the need for critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. The discussion also covers the necessity of faculty development programs to facilitate AI integration in teaching practicesTakeaways• Generative AI can redefine teaching and learning.• AI should be used ethically and responsibly in education.• Inclusivity and equity are crucial in integrating AI.• Assessment should evolve beyond traditional methods.• Transparency in AI usage is essential for academic integrity.