In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Christian Busch discusses the concept of serendipity in leadership, emphasizing how individuals and organizations can cultivate a mindset to recognize and act on unexpected opportunities. He explores the importance of trust, clarity, and a culture of psychological safety in fostering innovation and resilience within academic institutions. The discussion also highlights the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, diversity, and overcoming mental shortcuts to create an adaptable academic culture. Dr. Busch provides practical strategies for academic leaders to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities and encourages the development of environments that promote meaningful connections among faculty and students. Takeaways • Serendipity is about active luck that we create ourselves. • Cultivating a serendipity mindset is essential for leadership. • Reframing setbacks can foster innovation and resilience. • Creating a culture of psychological safety encourages open communication. • Building connections between unrelated ideas can lead to breakthroughs.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mark Kretovics discusses the dynamics of power and leadership within higher education, particularly focusing on the role of provosts. He explores the unique challenges provosts face regarding their perceived and actual power, the importance of building relationships, and the various leadership styles that can be effective in fostering collaboration. Dr. Kretovics emphasizes the need for provosts to adapt their leadership approach based on the situation and the individuals they are working with, highlighting the balance between transformational and transactional leadership. He also underscores the significance of building influence across different stakeholders within the institution. Mark Kretovics and Gregor Thuswaldner discuss the essential qualities and strategies for effective leadership in higher education, particularly for provosts. They emphasize the importance of building trust, collaboration, and humility, as well as the need for authenticity in relationships. The discussion also covers how to drive institutional change while managing crises effectively and aligning leadership goals with the broader mission of the institution. Takeaways • Power is defined as the ability to get people to do things. • Provosts operate in a unique position with limited direct power. • Building relationships is essential for effective leadership. • Provosts should focus on institutional goals, not personal agendas. • Situational leadership allows for adaptability in different contexts.

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Mike Moss, president of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), to discuss the evolving role of provosts in higher education, emphasizing the importance of integrated strategic planning. Moss highlights the need for collaboration across departments, effective stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of strategies that promote student success. He also addresses the challenges faced by provosts in fostering a culture of planning and the significance of scenario planning in navigating future uncertainties in the educational landscape. In this conversation, Mike Moss from SCUP discusses the critical role of scenario planning in higher education, emphasizing the need for institutions to be proactive rather than reactive. He highlights the importance of aligning governance with strategic planning, the flexibility required in planning processes, and the necessity of adapting to post-pandemic changes. Moss also addresses the incorporation of emerging technologies and the diverse needs of institutions, advocating for a community of practice approach to foster connections and share insights. Finally, he shares personal leadership insights and the significance of team dynamics in implementing strategic initiatives. Takeaways • Provosts are increasingly involved in institutional planning. • Effective leadership and communication are essential for collaboration. • Building relationships across departments is crucial for success. • Student success should be the primary focus of planning efforts. • Clarity and brevity in communication enhance understanding.

Alain-Philippe Durand, Dorrance Dean of the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona, advocates for the relevance of humanities degrees in today’s job market. He addresses misconceptions about their value, showcasing successful alumni paths that emphasize critical thinking and adaptability. The discussion highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of AI on language learning, and the necessity of human connections in a digital world. Durand also introduces the innovative Applied Humanities degree to meet evolving educational needs.

In this conversation, with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, higher education researchers Dr. Jorge Burmiky and Dr. Kevin McClure discuss the essential competencies for college presidents and provosts in higher education. They emphasize the importance of trust-building, effective communication, resilience, emotional intelligence, data acumen, and collaborative leadership. The discussion highlights how these competencies are interconnected and vital for navigating the challenges faced by academic leaders today. The speakers also share insights on how provosts can support these competencies and foster a positive academic environment. Takeaways • Trust is a key competency for academic leaders. • Effective communication is essential for building trust. • Resilience is necessary in today's challenging educational landscape. • Emotional intelligence helps leaders navigate crises. • Data acumen is crucial for informed decision-making.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Karen Weaver delves into the transformative changes in college athletics, examining the evolving role of the NCAA, the effects of athlete transfers and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and the integration of athletics with the broader academic environment. Dr. Weaver, a seasoned expert in athletics administration and author of the forthcoming book College Presidents and College Athletics: Money, Power, Politics (Johns Hopkins University Press), provides insights into the impact of media revenues and the shifting landscape of collegiate sports. The discussion highlights the challenges of resource allocation, the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and the critical role of academic leaders in ensuring student-athletes thrive academically and athletically. The episodes also address the legal and institutional changes reshaping the NCAA's authority, conference realignments, and the need for collaboration between academic and athletic leadership. Takeaways 1. Academic leaders must understand the financial dynamics of college athletics. 2. The NCAA’s control is being legally challenged, impacting its authority. 3. Athlete transfers are increasingly common due to NIL opportunities. 4. Media revenues have significantly altered the landscape of college sports. 5. Provosts should ensure that athletes receive promised academic opportunities.

Robert Sutton, an organizational psychologist and Stanford professor, dives into his book, The Friction Project, discussing the difference between good and bad friction in organizations. He shares how leaders can enhance productivity by recognizing and addressing unnecessary friction points in higher education. Sutton emphasizes the importance of collaboration and simplifies bureaucratic processes to foster creativity. He advocates for thoughtful decision-making and shares actionable strategies for academic leaders to create a supportive and efficient environment.

In a dynamic discussion, Dr. Pamela Eddy, Associate Provost of Faculty Affairs at William & Mary and an expert in community college leadership, delves into equity-driven practices essential for student success. She highlights the challenges provosts face while advocating for data-driven initiatives and transformative leadership. Dr. Eddy emphasizes the importance of partnerships and inclusive teaching, along with celebrating student achievements to foster a nurturing educational environment. Her insights showcase a path towards enhancing equity in higher education.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Derek Bruff discusses the integration of technology in higher education, emphasizing the importance of aligning teaching goals with technology use. He shares insights on supporting faculty in adopting new technologies, balancing innovation with traditional educational values, and the role of AI in teaching. Dr. Bruff also highlights the significance of creating learning communities and effective faculty development programs to enhance teaching and learning experiences. In this conversation, Derek Bruff and Gregor Thuswaldner discuss the importance of providing faculty with the time and expertise needed to effectively integrate technology into their teaching. They explore successful programs that pair faculty with graduate or undergraduate students to enhance learning experiences. The discussion also highlights the role of provosts in fostering a culture of continuous learning and evaluating technology integration success. They address future trends in educational technology, emphasizing the need for equity and access, and the impact of community on learning. Takeaways • Teaching and learning goals should drive technology use. • Lead with the why when integrating technology. • Don't undervalue the expertise of your own faculty. • Innovation in education is essential but challenging. • Learning is fundamentally a social experience.

Aaron K. Olson, Executive Vice President at Aon, shares his expertise in corporate strategy and leadership development. He discusses the critical role of strategic leadership in navigating change in higher education. Olson emphasizes adaptive strategic thinking and systems thinking to tackle interconnected challenges. He warns provosts about potential pitfalls in implementing strategic change and highlights when directive leadership is crucial. Olson also recommends Richard Rumelt's book, The Crux, as a key resource for understanding effective strategy.