EdUp Provost

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Inazu discusses the critical themes of pluralism and disagreement within the context of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to engage with differing viewpoints and the necessity of building trust within academic communities. The discussion also touches on the political pressures faced by universities, the impact of federal funding, and the challenges posed by DEI initiatives. Dr. Inazu advocates for a proactive approach to fostering pluralism and suggests practical steps for provosts to create a culture of constructive disagreement.Takeaways• Pluralism is essential for a healthy democracy.• Disagreement should be taught as a skill in education.• Trust is foundational for meaningful dialogue.• Universities must clarify their mission to foster pluralism.• Small seminar settings are ideal for teaching disagreement.

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner engages with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson, co-authors of 'Hacking College,' to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education. They challenge the traditional focus on college majors, advocating for a broader perspective that emphasizes personalized fields of study and experiential learning. The discussion covers the need for cultural shifts in curriculum design, the importance of proactive advising, and strategies to streamline transfer processes. They also highlight the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating unique educational paths for students. In this conversation, Laff and Carlson discuss the challenges and opportunities in higher education, focusing on student persistence, mentorship, and the need for cultural change within institutions. They emphasize the importance of leveraging campus resources and creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The discussion also highlights various case studies that illustrate the diverse experiences of students and the potential for positive change through innovative strategies.Takeaways• The major is often a limiting frame for students.• Students should view their education as a field of study, not just a major.• The empty college degree raises questions about the value of education.• Provosts can influence cultural dynamics without structural changes.• Advising should empower students to take control of their education.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Maria LaMonaca Wisdom discusses her book, 'How to Mentor Anyone in Academia,' exploring the evolving landscape of mentorship in higher education. She emphasizes the need to challenge traditional mentorship models, advocate for a coaching mindset, and address the unique needs of diverse mentees. The discussion also covers the importance of recognizing and rewarding mentoring contributions, navigating power dynamics, and adapting mentorship practices in a hybrid academic environment.Takeaways• Mentorship is often assumed but rarely explicitly discussed.• The traditional guru model of mentorship is outdated.• Mentors should focus on developing mentees' self-awareness and problem-solving skills.• Institutions need to support faculty in shifting their mentoring approaches.• Mentoring should be recognized as a form of leadership.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Sjur Bergan discusses the current state of European higher education, emphasizing the social responsibility of universities and their role in local democratic missions. He highlights the diversity of European institutions and the challenges they face, including financial constraints and political pressures. The discussion also touches on the concept of higher education as a public good, the importance of equipping students for democratic engagement, and the differences in governance models between Europe and the US. Dr. Bergan advocates for international partnerships and the need for universities to adapt to changing political climates while maintaining their core values.Takeaways• European universities have diverse approaches to social responsibility.• Challenges include financial constraints and political pressures.• Higher education is viewed as a public good in Europe.• Democratic engagement is crucial for students today.• Governance models differ significantly between Europe and the US.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Robert A. Scott and Dr. Drew Bogner discuss their book, Letters to Students: What It Means to Be a College Graduate, exploring the evolving role of higher education in preparing students for life beyond just job acquisition. They emphasize the importance of transformational education, strategies for improving student retention, the significance of general education, and the necessity of fostering a supportive learning environment. The discussion also touches on the balance between academics and student life and the importance of lifelong learning.Takeaways• Higher education should focus on transformation, not just transactions.• Belonging is crucial for student retention and success.• Education should develop character and citizenship alongside careers.• General education plays a vital role in liberating students' thinking.• Lifelong learning is essential for adapting to a changing world.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Shoup and Dr. Troy Hinrichs discuss the concept of wisdom in leadership, particularly in the context of higher education. They explore how wisdom is defined, its importance for leaders, and practical ways to cultivate it. The discussion emphasizes the role of reflection in decision-making and addresses the challenges of ethical dilemmas faced by academic leaders. The conversation highlights the need for a balance between knowledge and wisdom, and the importance of fostering a culture of inquiry and reflection within educational institutions. This conversation explores the themes of wisdom, mentorship, and ethical decision-making in higher education leadership. The speakers discuss the importance of navigating dilemmas, the role of wisdom in guiding provosts, and practical steps to create a culture of wisdom on campus. They emphasize the need for humility, the value of mentorship, and the significance of teaching wisdom to both faculty and students. The discussion concludes with personal book recommendations that have influenced their perspectives on leadership and wisdom.Takeaways• Wisdom is crucial for making consequential judgment calls.• Leaders should embody the philosopher king model.• Cultivating wisdom involves understanding multiple storylines.• Reflection is key to developing wisdom in leaders.• Experience alone does not equate to wisdom.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Joshua Thorpe discusses the integration of AI in higher education, emphasizing the need for a shift in how AI is perceived and utilized in academic settings. He advocates for treating AI as an interactive environment rather than a mere tool and shares practical strategies for faculty to incorporate AI into their curricula. Ethical considerations surrounding AI usage are also explored alongside institutional approaches to fostering AI literacy among students. Thorpe highlights the innovative use of comics in his book 'AI for Students' as a means to engage learners and make complex topics more accessible. He concludes with advice for institutions hesitant to embrace AI, stressing the importance of critical curiosity in navigating this evolving landscape. Thorpe and Thuswaldner discuss the implications of AI on the future of work, education, and the humanities. They explore the evolving role of educators, the importance of critical digital literacy, and the potential for AI to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations and the nature of consciousness in relation to AI.Takeaways• AI should be treated as an environment for thinking.• Flipping the script on AI usage can enhance creativity.• Understanding prompt design is crucial for effective AI use.• Small steps are key to integrating AI into curricula.• Critical curiosity is a balanced approach to AI.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. William G. Tierney discusses the pressing challenges facing higher education today, including the student debt crisis, the role of provosts in alleviating financial burdens on students, and the importance of academic freedom and free speech on campuses. He emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt to changing circumstances and the critical role of government in supporting education. The discussion also touches on the impact of for-profit institutions and the necessity for universities to maintain financial health while ensuring equitable access to education. In this conversation, Dr. Tierney discusses the complexities of academic freedom, the role of provosts in higher education, and the need for universities to rebuild trust with the public. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue in addressing controversial topics and the challenges posed by social media. Tierney also critiques the current narrative linking education to future earnings and advocates for a broader understanding of the value of higher education. Takeaways• The student debt crisis is a significant challenge for higher education.• Provosts must implement measures to alleviate student debt while maintaining financial health.• For-profit institutions often lead to unsustainable debt for students.• Government intervention is necessary to guide students towards affordable education options.• Academic freedom requires careful consideration and proactive management by provosts.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Holden Thorp discusses the evolving role of provosts in higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic leadership amidst political pressures. He reflects on the challenges faced by academic leaders, the significance of academic freedom, and the need for a renewed focus on undergraduate education. Thorp shares insights from his experiences and highlights the necessity for provosts to navigate complex political landscapes while advocating for academic values. In this conversation, Thorp and Thuswaldner discuss the pressing issues facing higher education today, emphasizing the need for universities to prioritize teaching and student engagement over research and administrative concerns. They explore the disconnect between public perception and institutional priorities, the importance of open communication to rebuild trust, and the necessity of fostering a culture of respectful disagreement among students and faculty. Thorp shares insights from his experiences as a provost and highlights the challenges of aligning university values with public expectations.Takeaways• Provosts must balance political pressures with academic integrity.• Academic freedom is essential for a thriving educational environment.• Leadership in higher education requires understanding faculty dynamics.• Provosts should be proactive in advocating for undergraduate education.• Navigating political landscapes is a key challenge for academic leaders.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mary B. Marcy discusses her book, The Small College Imperative, focusing on the need for small colleges to transform rather than rely on traditional stewardship. She highlights the importance of understanding student demographics, financial sustainability, and the balance between liberal arts and market demands. Dr. Marcy emphasizes the role of provosts in fostering collaboration and morale during periods of change while also navigating shared governance. The discussion concludes with insights on leadership qualities essential for provosts and the importance of reading both professional and fictional works to ground oneself in the educational mission.Takeaways• Transformation is essential for small colleges to thrive.• Understanding student demographics is crucial for institutional relevance.• Financial sustainability is a pressing concern for many colleges.• Balancing liberal arts with market demands is a significant challenge.• Provosts play a key role in fostering collaboration and morale.