4. Navigating History and Innovation: A Conversation with Catharine E. O'Connell

About this episode

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner interviews Catherine E. O'Connell about her experiences and insights as Provost of Illinois College.

In this episode, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Catherine E. O'Connell, Provost of Illinois College, as she shares the rich history, unique traditions, and bold initiatives shaping this historic institution.Now in her 10th year as Provost, Dr. O'Connell leads an institution approaching its bicentennial in 2029—the first college in Illinois to grant degrees and home to the oldest college buildings on any campus. Founded by Yale ministers who came west to "civilize the frontier," Illinois College was built on a foundation of abolitionist principles that sparked controversy in its early years and continues to inform its mission today.In this candid conversation, Dr. O'Connell discusses the unique challenges of academic leadership at a small liberal arts college, from managing the competing priorities of diverse constituencies—students, alumni, faculty, trustees, and community members—to navigating the increasingly volatile landscape of institutional messaging in the social media age. She shares hard-won insights on building and trusting your leadership team, the loss of anonymity that comes with the provost role, and offers essential advice for new academic…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner

Guest: Catherine E. O'Connell

Topics covered

• academic leadership
• liberal arts education
• institutional history
• student success
• nursing program
• social media impact

Keywords

• academic leadership
• Illinois College
• Catherine E. O'Connell
• student success
• nursing program
• social media
• liberal arts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Illinois College

Places: Illinois, frontier

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