EdUp Provost

In this conversation, Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., interviews Bradley Fuster, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at San Francisco Bay University. They discuss the concept of challenger brands in higher education, exploring how these institutions aim to disrupt traditional models and prioritize student success. Fuster shares insights from his experience in various educational settings, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by higher education today. The discussion also touches on the absence of tenure at SFBU, the inefficiencies of traditional institutions, and the innovative practices that challenger brands employ to enhance student learning and engagement. Takeaways • Challenger brands aim to disrupt traditional higher education models. • Higher education is facing a crisis with high dropout rates. • San Francisco Bay University focuses on student success and innovative practices. • The curriculum must adapt to the rapidly changing job market. • Challenger brands can serve as models for traditional institutions.

This conversation focuses on the ASU+GSV Summit, one of the most important annual edtech conferences. Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner’s guests are Jason Horne and Julia Hieser, who discuss the evolution of the Summit, the impact of technology, particularly AI, on education, and the importance of balancing traditional educational values with technological advancements. They emphasize the need for institutions to adapt to rapid changes, the challenges faced in adopting new technologies, and successful examples of innovation in education. The discussion concludes with insights on how provosts can engage with the Summit and contribute to the future of higher education. Takeaways • The ASU and GSV Summit is a premier event for education innovation. • AI is becoming mainstream in educational technology. • Engagement is a persistent challenge in higher education. • Technology should enhance, not replace traditional educational values. • The future of education will be shaped by collaboration and innovation.

This episode features a conversation with four representatives of faith-based higher education organizations: Donna Carroll, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; Kina Mallard, Executive Director of the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities; Lamont A. Wells, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities; Jeff Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. This conversation explores the role of provosts at faith-based institutions, emphasizing their unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities in a secular society. The guests discuss the importance of strategic leadership, inclusivity, and maintaining religious identity while fostering academic freedom. They also highlight innovative practices for financial sustainability and the need to attract a diverse student body. The discussion concludes with personal book recommendations that reflect the speakers' insights and experiences in the field. Takeaways • Faith-based institutions can thrive by adapting to secular changes. • Moral leadership is crucial in today's educational landscape. • Inclusivity in academic culture enhances student engagement. • Provosts play a key role in balancing values and academic freedom. • Diversity should be embraced, not just tolerated, in faith-based settings.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. LaNitra M. Berger discusses her journey from a curious student in San Bernardino, California, to becoming an influential figure in art history and international education. She emphasizes the importance of global education and the transformative experiences it can provide, particularly for underrepresented students. The discussion also covers the critical role of provosts in advancing international education, the need for inclusive practices in study abroad programs, and the impact of technology on global learning. Dr. Berger shares insights on fostering a welcoming environment for international students and building meaningful partnerships between institutions. Takeaways Provosts play a crucial role in advancing global education initiatives. Supporting underrepresented students is essential for equitable access to study abroad. Community philanthropy can significantly enhance study abroad opportunities. Fostering a welcoming environment for international students is vital. Integrating global learning into curricula benefits all students.

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Jonathan Zimmerman, the Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, discuss the complexities of free speech, cancel culture, and the role of education in fostering open dialogue within universities. Prof. Zimmerman emphasizes the need for academic leaders to navigate the challenges of political pressures while maintaining a commitment to liberal values and quality teaching. He critiques the current state of higher education, highlighting the importance of adapting to modern student needs and the historical impact of social movements on educational practices. Dr. Zimmerman also reflects on the significance of teaching quality and the need for universities to prioritize meaningful education over mere compliance with external pressures.   Takeaways We must recommit to liberal values in education. Fear inhibits learning and open dialogue Free speech is essential for effective education. Cancel culture affects both sides of the political spectrum. Empathy is crucial for academic leaders navigating challenges.

In this engaging conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges, discusses the multifaceted role of provosts in higher education, particularly in independent colleges. She highlights the unique challenges faced by provosts, the importance of aligning institutional mission, culture, and business models, and the critical role of faculty in enrollment strategies. Dr. Hass also addresses the pressing issues of affordability and value in higher education, the need for innovation and adaptability in a changing landscape, and the specific challenges women face in leadership roles. She offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring female provosts and emphasizes the importance of support systems within academic institutions. Takeaways         Building relationships is crucial for provosts, especially in smaller institutions. Alignment of mission, culture, and business model is essential for institutional success. Faculty engagement in admissions can significantly impact enrollment. Understanding the value proposition is key to addressing affordability concerns. Women in leadership roles face unique challenges that require structural support.

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Jeffrey Buller discuss the concept of entrepreneurial academic leadership, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in higher education. Dr. Buller, a higher education expert for over 30 years, differentiates between genuine entrepreneurial leadership and cliched descriptors. This episode explores the challenges faced by provosts and highlights the importance of balancing profit orientation with institutional mission. Dr. Buller also addresses the necessity of calculated risk-taking, owning mistakes, and the evolving landscape of higher education leadership.   Takeaways Entrepreneurial academic leadership requires flexibility and adaptability. The term 'entrepreneurial' can mean different things to different people. Provosts face unique challenges in balancing diverse academic programs. Profit orientation should focus on reinvesting in the institution. Mistakes are inevitable; owning them is crucial for growth.

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.