EdUp Provost

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.

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.