EdUp Provost

In this episode of EdUp Provost, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, discuss the challenges and strategies for leading change in higher education. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of political skill, inspiration, and modeling desired behaviors for provosts. The conversation covers various topics including the need for agility in academic structures, strategies for curricular reform, lessons from global education models, and the balance between maintaining rankings and fostering innovation. Dr. Rosenberg also addresses the financial pressures facing institutions, the importance of engaging faculty in change processes, and the need for equity and access in higher education. He advocates for an entrepreneurial mindset among provosts and highlights the necessity of resilience in leadership. Takeaways • Provosts must rely on political skill and inspiration to lead change. • Building coalitions is essential for effective leadership in academia. • Educating the community about institutional challenges fosters understanding. • Curricular reform should reflect the evolving nature of disciplines. • Global models of higher education can inspire innovation in the U.S.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Isis Artze-Vega and Dr. Peter Felten discuss the significance of relationship-rich education in fostering student success. They emphasize the need for academic leaders to create environments that prioritize meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff. The discussion covers strategies for supporting first-generation and non-traditional students, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the role of faculty and staff in nurturing these connections. They also explore the challenges of diversity in faculty-student relationships and the necessity of recognizing and rewarding those who contribute to a relationship-rich culture. The conversation concludes with insights on mentoring, online learning, and the concept of relationship accelerators as tools for enhancing student engagement and success. Takeaways • Provosts must model relationship-rich behaviors to foster a culture of connection. • Strategies should be designed to help students understand the importance of relationships for their success. • First-generation students often need guidance on how to build academic relationships. • Intentional connections are crucial for student retention and success. • Creating a relational culture is essential, especially in large institutions.

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy discuss the evolving landscape of higher education accreditation, particularly in light of recent changes that have eliminated regional boundaries for accrediting agencies. Dr. Ramaswamy emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and accountability in education while also addressing the challenges faced by accrediting bodies in the current political climate. The discussion also touches on the potential for three-year degrees and other innovative educational models to enhance accessibility and reduce costs. In this conversation, Dr. Ramaswamy discusses the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the push for three-year degrees, the rise of microcredentials, and the importance of quality assurance in educational programs. He emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt to changing student needs and market pressures, particularly in light of declining enrollments. Dr. Ramaswamy advocates for a student-centered approach to education, highlighting the importance of meeting students where they are and ensuring that educational offerings provide real value. He concludes by reflecting on the transformative power of education in improving lives and communities. The two articles he mentions can be found here: https://nwccu.org/news/v6i1-letter-from-the-president/ https://nwccu.org/news/v6i4-letter-from-the-president/ Takeaways • Quality assurance is a fundamental responsibility of accrediting agencies. • Accreditation must focus on student outcomes and accountability. • The narrative around higher education's value proposition is shifting. • Disaggregated data is crucial for understanding student success. • Three-year degrees are gaining traction as a viable option.

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Richard A. Detweiler discuss the importance of liberal arts education, emphasizing the need for emotional engagement in decision-making, the significance of educational context over content, and strategies for fostering leadership and civic engagement among students. Dr. Detweiler advocates for a holistic approach to education that breaks down silos between academic and student life, encourages broadening curricula, and highlights the necessity of marketing liberal arts education effectively. He also addresses the challenges posed by job market demands and offers insights on supporting faculty development to align teaching methods with desired student outcomes. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of liberal arts education and the importance of adapting to societal needs while preserving its core values. Takeaways - Data alone does not create change in education. - Liberal arts education is a living and learning experience. - Educational context has a greater impact than content. - Fostering leadership requires experiential learning opportunities. - Marketing liberal arts education should focus on life outcomes.

In this conversation, Dr. Gail F. Baker and Frank A. Casagrande discuss the critical topic of faculty compensation at the University of San Diego. They explore the need for reevaluation of compensation structures, the importance of engaging stakeholders, common pitfalls in compensation studies, and the challenges faced during the process. They also highlight key metrics for sustainable compensation, the role of fiscal realities, and the positive impact on faculty morale. The discussion emphasizes the importance of transparency, long-term sustainability, and the critical first steps for provosts leading compensation initiatives. Takeaways • The need for reevaluation of compensation structures is essential for fairness. • Engaging stakeholders early on fosters buy-in and collaboration. • Common pitfalls in compensation studies can derail the process if not addressed. • Challenges and resistance from faculty are expected and must be managed. • Key metrics for compensation should focus on equity and sustainability.

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. John N. Gardner, Founder and Executive Chair of the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, discuss the pivotal role of provosts in higher education, emphasizing the importance of student success, equity, and the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences. He highlights the need for provosts to show interest in student success initiatives, cultivate future leaders, and implement high-impact practices that enhance student engagement. Gardner also reflects on the historical context of educational reform and the ongoing pursuit of social justice within the academic landscape. Takeaways • Provosts should prioritize student success as a key interest. • The first-year experience is crucial for student retention. • Equity and inclusion must be central to educational initiatives. • High-impact practices significantly enhance student engagement. • Provosts play a vital role in setting expectations for faculty and students.

In this conversation, Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., interviews Bradley Fuster, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at San Francisco Bay University. They discuss the concept of challenger brands in higher education, exploring how these institutions aim to disrupt traditional models and prioritize student success. Fuster shares insights from his experience in various educational settings, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by higher education today. The discussion also touches on the absence of tenure at SFBU, the inefficiencies of traditional institutions, and the innovative practices that challenger brands employ to enhance student learning and engagement. Takeaways • Challenger brands aim to disrupt traditional higher education models. • Higher education is facing a crisis with high dropout rates. • San Francisco Bay University focuses on student success and innovative practices. • The curriculum must adapt to the rapidly changing job market. • Challenger brands can serve as models for traditional institutions.

This conversation focuses on the ASU+GSV Summit, one of the most important annual edtech conferences. Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner’s guests are Jason Horne and Julia Hieser, who discuss the evolution of the Summit, the impact of technology, particularly AI, on education, and the importance of balancing traditional educational values with technological advancements. They emphasize the need for institutions to adapt to rapid changes, the challenges faced in adopting new technologies, and successful examples of innovation in education. The discussion concludes with insights on how provosts can engage with the Summit and contribute to the future of higher education. Takeaways • The ASU and GSV Summit is a premier event for education innovation. • AI is becoming mainstream in educational technology. • Engagement is a persistent challenge in higher education. • Technology should enhance, not replace traditional educational values. • The future of education will be shaped by collaboration and innovation.

This episode features a conversation with four representatives of faith-based higher education organizations: Donna Carroll, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; Kina Mallard, Executive Director of the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities; Lamont A. Wells, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities; Jeff Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. This conversation explores the role of provosts at faith-based institutions, emphasizing their unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities in a secular society. The guests discuss the importance of strategic leadership, inclusivity, and maintaining religious identity while fostering academic freedom. They also highlight innovative practices for financial sustainability and the need to attract a diverse student body. The discussion concludes with personal book recommendations that reflect the speakers' insights and experiences in the field. Takeaways • Faith-based institutions can thrive by adapting to secular changes. • Moral leadership is crucial in today's educational landscape. • Inclusivity in academic culture enhances student engagement. • Provosts play a key role in balancing values and academic freedom. • Diversity should be embraced, not just tolerated, in faith-based settings.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. LaNitra M. Berger discusses her journey from a curious student in San Bernardino, California, to becoming an influential figure in art history and international education. She emphasizes the importance of global education and the transformative experiences it can provide, particularly for underrepresented students. The discussion also covers the critical role of provosts in advancing international education, the need for inclusive practices in study abroad programs, and the impact of technology on global learning. Dr. Berger shares insights on fostering a welcoming environment for international students and building meaningful partnerships between institutions. Takeaways Provosts play a crucial role in advancing global education initiatives. Supporting underrepresented students is essential for equitable access to study abroad. Community philanthropy can significantly enhance study abroad opportunities. Fostering a welcoming environment for international students is vital. Integrating global learning into curricula benefits all students.