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.

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. Naomi Zack discusses her book on rethinking affirmative action and DEI initiatives in higher education, advocating for a framework of multiplicity and belonging. She critiques the limitations of current approaches and emphasizes the importance of the humanities in fostering human well-being. The discussion also touches on the challenges of class and upward mobility for first-generation students, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding in faculty development and curriculum design. In this conversation, Dr. Zack discusses the evolution of class theory, emphasizing a new perspective that allows individuals to embrace aspects of different social classes without abandoning their roots. She addresses the complexities of campus speech and the importance of reclaiming academic freedom amidst student activism. The dialogue also explores the dynamics of student protests, highlighting the need for better communication between faculty and students. Ethical considerations in higher education are examined, particularly regarding adjunct faculty and their treatment. Finally, Dr. Zack defines what it means to be 'College Smart' in today's context, advocating for flexibility and transparency in academic institutions, and reflects on the challenges of free speech on campus.

Takeaways

• Multiplicity allows for a broader understanding of student identities.
• The humanities should focus on ethical dimensions and human well-being.
• Class discussions are crucial for understanding first-generation students. The old theory of class assumes total identities determine interests.
• New class theory allows for economic mobility without losing roots.
• 'College Smart' requires flexibility and understanding of institutional dynamics.

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 Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Steven Rogelberg discusses the importance of reframing meetings in higher education as opportunities for engagement and collaboration rather than mere obligations. He emphasizes the need for effective facilitation strategies to foster psychological safety and open dialogue, as well as the importance of intentional meeting design to enhance productivity. Rogelberg also highlights the significant costs associated with meetings and the necessity of evaluating their effectiveness regularly. Ultimately, he advocates for a shift in mindset towards meetings as a valuable tool for fostering trust and community within academic institutions. In this conversation, Dr. Rogelberg discusses the significance of effective meeting practices in higher education, emphasizing the role of stewardship in meeting leadership, the common pitfalls in meeting design, and the transformative potential of one-on-one meetings. He highlights the importance of intentionality, strategic focus, and the effective use of silence in meetings, while also addressing the impact of meeting location on engagement.

Takeaways

• Meetings can be places of gain when done well.
• Effective meetings lead to better employee engagement and retention.
• Establishing ground rules fosters psychological safety in meetings.
• Leaders should talk less and listen more during meetings.
• Framing agendas as questions can enhance engagement.

Leading from the Margins: A Conversation with Mary Dana Hinton

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. Dr. Hinton encourages leaders to remain hopeful and committed to their personal and institutional missions, even in challenging times. In this conversation, Dr. 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. Dr. 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