EdUp Provost

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!  

In this episode of Edup Provost, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner speaks with Dr. Elaine P. Maimon, President Emerita of Governors State University (2007-2020) and author of Leading Academic Change: Vision, Strategy, Transformation. A blueprint for fast-tracking reform in higher education, Leading Academic Change goes beyond recounting Dr. Maimon's transformation of Governors State University. It provides numerous actionable strategies for effective change management in academia. This conversation focuses on the role provosts play in driving academic change. Topics Discussed Shaping a University’s Long-Term Vision: Insights on Vision, Strategy, and Transformation for Provosts Key Qualities for Provosts: Building Collaborative and Transformative Leadership in Higher Education Navigating Resistance to Change: Advice for New Provosts Leading Institutional Transformation Prioritizing Student Success in Institutional Change: Strategies for Provosts Strengthening University-Community Connections: The Role of Provosts in Serving Local Needs   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!

EdUp Provost is the new podcast series of the ⁠⁠⁠Association of Chief Academic Officers (ACAO)⁠⁠⁠ brought to you in collaboration with the ⁠⁠⁠EdUp Experience⁠⁠⁠, America's leading higher education podcast network. Find out what EdUp Provost & ACAO are all about!