EdUp Provost

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Jonathan Zimmerman, the Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, discuss the complexities of free speech, cancel culture, and the role of education in fostering open dialogue within universities. Prof. Zimmerman emphasizes the need for academic leaders to navigate the challenges of political pressures while maintaining a commitment to liberal values and quality teaching. He critiques the current state of higher education, highlighting the importance of adapting to modern student needs and the historical impact of social movements on educational practices. Dr. Zimmerman also reflects on the significance of teaching quality and the need for universities to prioritize meaningful education over mere compliance with external pressures.   Takeaways We must recommit to liberal values in education. Fear inhibits learning and open dialogue Free speech is essential for effective education. Cancel culture affects both sides of the political spectrum. Empathy is crucial for academic leaders navigating challenges.

In this engaging conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges, discusses the multifaceted role of provosts in higher education, particularly in independent colleges. She highlights the unique challenges faced by provosts, the importance of aligning institutional mission, culture, and business models, and the critical role of faculty in enrollment strategies. Dr. Hass also addresses the pressing issues of affordability and value in higher education, the need for innovation and adaptability in a changing landscape, and the specific challenges women face in leadership roles. She offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring female provosts and emphasizes the importance of support systems within academic institutions. Takeaways         Building relationships is crucial for provosts, especially in smaller institutions. Alignment of mission, culture, and business model is essential for institutional success. Faculty engagement in admissions can significantly impact enrollment. Understanding the value proposition is key to addressing affordability concerns. Women in leadership roles face unique challenges that require structural support.

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Jeffrey Buller discuss the concept of entrepreneurial academic leadership, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in higher education. Dr. Buller, a higher education expert for over 30 years, differentiates between genuine entrepreneurial leadership and cliched descriptors. This episode explores the challenges faced by provosts and highlights the importance of balancing profit orientation with institutional mission. Dr. Buller also addresses the necessity of calculated risk-taking, owning mistakes, and the evolving landscape of higher education leadership.   Takeaways Entrepreneurial academic leadership requires flexibility and adaptability. The term 'entrepreneurial' can mean different things to different people. Provosts face unique challenges in balancing diverse academic programs. Profit orientation should focus on reinvesting in the institution. Mistakes are inevitable; owning them is crucial for growth.

In this conversation, Dr Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Terry Flannery discuss the critical role of provosts in shaping and supporting university marketing strategies. Dr. Flannery emphasizes the importance of collaboration between provosts and chief marketing officers, the need for a compelling academic brand, and overcoming skepticism among faculty regarding marketing. Dr. Flannery also highlights the significance of digital marketing, data-driven strategies, and building relationships with alumni and donors. The discussion touches on future trends in higher education marketing and the necessity of integrating marketing efforts across various university divisions.   Takeaways - Provosts are essential partners in marketing strategy. - Building trust between provosts and CMOs is crucial. - Marketing should align with institutional strategy. - Provosts must have courage to differentiate their institutions. - Effective marketing is about creating value exchanges.   Sound Bites "Provosts are chief marketing officers' most important partners." "Marketing strategy is really institutional strategy." "Building trust is essential for effective collaboration."

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner discusses the pressing challenges facing liberal arts institutions with Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, President of the Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). She emphasizes the importance of liberal education in fostering critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and civic engagement while also addressing the need for provosts to adapt curricula to integrate emerging technologies like AI. The discussion highlights the role of organizations like AAC&U in supporting provosts and reshaping the narrative around the value of liberal arts education, particularly in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion.   Takeaways - Liberal arts education is crucial for democratizing opportunity. - Liberal arts foster critical thinking and civic engagement. - Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to education. - Interdisciplinary approaches enhance learning outcomes. - AAC&U provides resources for provosts' support.

In this conversation, Gregor Thuswaldner discusses the evolving role of provosts in fundraising within higher education with Jim Langley, President of Langley Innovations. Langley highlights the importance of understanding donor motivations, creating conditions for investment, and avoiding common mistakes in fundraising practices. He advocates for a shift towards authenticity and partnership in fundraising efforts, encouraging provosts to leverage their academic networks effectively. The conversation concludes with insights on the significance of building meaningful relationships with donors and the impact of literature on personal and professional growth. Takeaways Fundraising is shifting from institutional to specific academic unit support. Provosts need to develop skills in partnership building and understanding donor motivations. Effective fundraising requires creating conditions for investment in academic initiatives. Provosts should avoid common mistakes like being laissez-faire in fundraising efforts. Donors increasingly want to engage in problem-solving rather than just giving money.

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Robert A. Scott discuss the critical role of provosts in higher education governance, particularly in their interactions with university boards. Dr. Scott is the author of "How University Boards Work: A Guide for Trustees, Officers, and Leaders in Higher Education" (Johns Hopkins University Press.) He emphasizes the importance of effective communication, understanding board dynamics, and the need for ongoing education for both trustees and faculty. The discussion covers the challenges provosts face in bridging the gap between academic affairs and board decisions, as well as strategies for keeping boards informed about current issues and long-term academic planning.   Takeaways Orientation for new trustees is crucial for effective governance. Misunderstandings often arise from trustees lacking higher education experience. Provosts should facilitate communication between faculty and trustees. Shared governance requires mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities.

In this conversation, Professor Alex Hill discusses his research on centennial organizations, which have thrived for over a century. He shares insights from his book, Centennial's: The 12 Habits of Great Enduring Organizations, highlighting the key habits that contribute to the longevity and resilience of these institutions. The discussion covers the importance of purpose, the role of leadership, and the need for organizations to engage with future generations. Hill emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between stability and innovation and the necessity for organizations to proactively disrupt themselves to adapt to changing environments. Takeaways Centennial organizations have unique habits that contribute to their longevity. Purpose and a clear North Star are essential for enduring organizations. Long-term success requires a balance between stability and innovation. High-performing organizations often have leaders who stay for extended periods. Disruption is necessary for growth, but it should be managed carefully.  

In this episode, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner discusses the economic side of higher education with Jason Schenker, the most accurate economic forecaster in 25 categories since 2011. Their discussion focuses on the importance of liberal arts education in the digital age, the necessity of lifelong learning, and the integration of sustainability into academic programs. Schenker emphasizes the economic trends affecting higher education, including rising costs and the need for universities to adapt to changing workforce demands. Takeaways: Liberal arts education fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Lifelong learning is essential in a rapidly changing job market. Sustainability is becoming a crucial component of higher education. Economic pressures are driving changes in funding models for universities. Networking and real-world experience are vital for student success.

In this episode, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner interviews Dr. Jonathan Gyurko, a prominent education leader and co-founder of the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). They discuss the mission of ACUE, which focuses on ensuring student success through quality instruction and the importance of effective teaching practices. The conversation also explores the impact of teaching excellence on student retention, Gyurko’s concept of publicization in education, and the potential of public-private partnerships. Additionally, they address the changing roles of faculty, the need for innovation in teaching, and the importance of equity and inclusion in higher education.   Topics Discussed ACUE’s Mission and Impact on Student Success The Role of Provosts in Advancing Teaching Excellence Public-Private Partnerships in (Higher) Education Faculty Development and Changing Teaching Practices The National Higher Education Teaching Conference   Listen in to #EdUp! Thank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp! Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠Elvin Freytes⁠ & ⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠ Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠The EdUp Experience⁠! We make education YOUR business!