EdUp Provost

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Patricia E. Salkin discusses the evolving role of the provost in higher education, emphasizing the essential skills required for effective leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on academic expectations, and strategies for crisis management. She highlights the importance of building trust with faculty, balancing administrative duties with student engagement, and advocating for academic funding in resource-constrained environments. Dr. Salkin discusses the multifaceted role of a provost in higher education, focusing on the budget process, compliance with accreditation standards, strategic vision, work-life balance, and the evolving responsibilities of the position. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with deans and the president, the need for transparency in budgeting, and the challenges posed by changing regulations and societal issues. Takeaways• The role of the provost has expanded significantly in recent years.• Creativity and critical analysis are essential skills for provosts.• Networking and understanding institutional culture are key for aspiring provosts.• Crisis management requires strong communication and teamwork.• Provosts should maintain transparency and open dialogue with faculty.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Forrest Anderson discusses the chapter on “What Makes an Effective Provost?” from the perspective of a dean. Dr. Anderson stresses the fact that provosts need to balance vision with day-to-day operations, build trust with faculty, and emphasize the significance of kindness in leadership. He explores the challenges provosts face, including navigating competing demands and ensuring that initiatives have a lasting impact despite their typically short tenure. Dr. Anderson discusses the challenges faced by provosts in higher education, including high turnover rates and the need for a cultural shift. They emphasize the importance of supporting faculty well-being through various means, such as professional development and community events. The discussion also underscores the importance of proactive leadership in fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion within academic institutions. Drs. Anderson and Thuswaldner explore strategic steps that provosts can take to foster an inclusive environment and reflect on the importance of literature in reigniting passion for education.Takeaways- Provosts should focus on setting a vision rather than getting bogged down in details.- Building trust with faculty can be achieved through informal interactions and transparency.- True shared governance involves listening to all stakeholders and making informed decisions.- Faculty often feel overwhelmed by administrative tasks, and provosts should work to alleviate this burden.- Kindness in leadership fosters a positive institutional culture and helps resolve conflicts.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Anthony Laden discusses his book Networks of Trust: The Social Costs of College and What We Can Do About Them and explores the social costs of college education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the networks of trust that students form, how these networks are transformed in college, and the implications for faculty and staff. Dr. Laden addresses the need for inclusivity in politically diverse classrooms, the framework of epistemic nests, and the importance of charitable thinking in fostering a supportive learning environment. He advocates for recognizing the caring profession of teaching and the need for faculty development to better serve students from diverse backgrounds.Takeaways• There are two networks: social and informational trust networks.• College shapes students' informational trust networks.• Awareness of student transformation is crucial for faculty.• Political diversity in education requires open and welcoming spaces.• Charitable thinking helps bridge divides and promotes understanding.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. john a. powell discusses his book The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong, focusing on the concepts of bridging and breaking in higher education. He highlights the role of provosts and academic leaders in creating environments that foster connection, belonging, and understanding across diverse groups. Topics include free speech, the need for “safe enough” spaces, and the moral imperative to expand our circle of human concern. DR. powell emphasizes the importance of systemic change, the power of storytelling, and the courage required to navigate fear and resistance. The conversation also explores the evolving role of religion in building community and belonging.Takeaways• Bridging fosters connection and belonging across differences.• Academic leaders must model and support inclusive, compassionate dialogue.• Free speech must not dehumanize; “safe enough” spaces are key.• Bridging requires both personal courage and systemic change.• Storytelling and shared values—like dignity and belonging—strengthen community.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host D. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton discusses her evolving perspective on leadership, particularly from the margins, emphasizing the importance of resilience, courage, and vulnerability. She highlights the power of storytelling in higher education and how provosts can use their unique experiences to advocate for their institutions. The discussion also addresses the tensions faced by provosts in navigating faculty advocacy and institutional realities, especially in politically charged environments. Hinton encourages leaders to remain hopeful and committed to their personal and institutional missions, even in challenging times. In this conversation, Mary Dana Hinton discusses the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and mentorship in higher education. She emphasizes the need for provosts to embrace their vulnerabilities while advocating for their institutions. Hinton also highlights the significance of understanding the diverse needs of students and the role of marginalized institutions in providing opportunities. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the importance of resilience and the value of mentorship in fostering diverse leadership.Titles• Leading from the Margins: A New Perspective• Courage and Vulnerability in Higher Education Leadership• The Transformative Power of Storytelling• Navigating Tensions in Academic Leadership• Resilience and Hope in Higher Education

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner and Milton E. Clarke discuss the Community College Reform Movement, exploring its ideological foundations, the influence of neoliberalism, and the impact on faculty governance and institutional memory. They emphasize the need for shared governance and the importance of retaining institutional knowledge as educational policies evolve. In this conversation, Thuswaldner and Clarke discuss various aspects of higher education reform, focusing on community colleges. They explore the importance of building community among retired faculty, the implications of performance-based funding models, and the challenges posed by acceleration and online education. The discussion also highlights the need for reforms that prioritize teaching and learning, as well as the potential futures for community colleges in the face of austerity or reinvestment. Finally, Milton Clarke shares book recommendations that have influenced his views on education reform.Takeaways• The Community College Reform Movement is shaped by various ideological and economic forces.• Embedded neoliberalism highlights the inconsistencies in educational reform policies.• Performance-based funding and workforce development are gaining traction in both community colleges and four-year institutions.• The diminishing role of faculty in governance poses challenges for academic freedom.• Empowering faculty and creating community is essential for effective governance.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Musa Al-Gharbi discusses his book 'We Have Never Been Woke', which critiques the prevailing narratives in higher education regarding social justice and progressivism. He introduces the concept of 'symbolic capitalism' and explores the disconnect between intentions and outcomes in educational institutions. Dr. Al-Gharbi highlights the hostility faced by socially conservative views in academia and emphasizes the importance of belongingness over mere inclusion. He critiques the effectiveness of current DEI initiatives and calls for a reevaluation of credentialing practices that perpetuate inequality. In this conversation, Dr. Al-Gharbi discusses the perception of academia, the political biases within higher education, and the implications of these biases on public trust. He emphasizes the need for universities to acknowledge their shortcomings while defending their value and academic freedom. Dr. Al-Gharbi also reflects on the historical context of social dynamics and the importance of understanding these patterns to avoid repeating past mistakes. Takeaways• The title 'We Have Never Been Woke' challenges existing narratives.• Higher education often perpetuates inequality despite progressive intentions.• There is a significant disconnect between intentions and actual outcomes in academia.• Belongingness is a crucial factor for student success and retention.• Current DEI initiatives often fail to produce desired outcomes and can be counterproductive.