In this episode of the EdUp Provost Podcast, host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Kevin R. Carman discuss the chapter on fundraising they co-wrote for The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide for Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). They delve into the evolving role of Chief Academic Officers (CAOs) in fundraising within higher education, exploring strategies for balancing academic leadership with fundraising responsibilities, the importance of building relationships with development offices, and engaging advisory boards in fundraising efforts. The conversation also covers aligning fundraising with academic priorities, leveraging alumni connections for corporate partnerships, and the significance of stewardship in maintaining donor relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on managing corporate partnerships and the personal transitions faced by academic leaders.

Takeaways

• Fundraising is increasingly vital for Chief Academic Officers.
• Balancing academic leadership with fundraising is challenging.
• Building relationships with development offices is essential.
• Advisory boards can effectively engage alumni in fundraising.

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. Jennifer E. Walsh discusses her chapter “Chief Academic Vision Caster,” which appeared in the newly released Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). Dr. Walsh explores the evolving role of provosts in higher education, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership, community engagement, and collaboration with deans. She addresses the challenges posed by technological disruption and the need for institutions to adapt to changing workforce demands. Dr. Walsh shares practical strategies for fostering innovation while respecting traditional academic values and highlights the significance of managing relationships with university leadership to align academic vision with institutional goals.

Takeaways

• Provosts must balance day-to-day management with long-term strategic vision.
• Collaboration with deans is essential for aligning institutional vision.
• Innovation in academic programming must be balanced with tradition.
• Provosts should manage up to ensure alignment with university leadership.
• Engaging with the community can lead to new program development.