EdUp Provost

24. Innovative Approaches to Cost Reduction: A Conversation with James Shulman

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. James Shulman, VP and COO of the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and author of the book "The Synthetic University" (Princeton UP) discuss the pressing challenges facing higher education, particularly the financial pressures and the need for collaboration among institutions. Dr. Shulman emphasizes the importance of provosts in addressing cost issues and fostering a culture of collaboration while navigating the complexities of institutional autonomy. He introduces the concept of the 'synthetic university' as a framework for innovative solutions and collective action in higher education. Dr. Shulman shares insights from his book and highlights successful case studies that demonstrate the potential for collaboration to enhance educational quality and efficiency.
Takeaways
The challenge of controlling costs in higher education is significant and multifaceted.
Provosts play a crucial role in managing financial pressures and fostering collaboration.
Redundancies in higher education can be beneficial, but unnecessary duplications should be streamlined.
External partnerships can provide valuable solutions to institutional challenges.
The concept of the 'synthetic university' encourages innovative and collaborative solutions.

23. The Provost and Student Affairs: A Conversation with Amelia Parnell

The Provost and Student Affairs: A Conversation with Amelia Parnell
In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Amelia Parnell, president of NASPA, discusses the evolving landscape of student affairs in higher education. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs, the need to address the diverse and holistic needs of students, and the role of data in enhancing student success. Dr. Parnell also highlights current trends in student affairs and provides insights into how institutions can better support their students. In this conversation, Amelia Parnell discusses the importance of understanding data identity in education, fostering communication for student success, and navigating barriers in higher education. She emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and the future role of NASPA in supporting student affairs. Parnell also highlights the significance of finding joy and humor in the challenges faced in higher education.
Takeaways
Collaboration between student and academic affairs is crucial for student success.
Holistic approaches to student needs require data-informed strategies.
Diverse student populations present unique challenges and opportunities.
Effective communication across campus is essential for addressing student needs.
The relationship between student affairs and academic affairs should be collaborative, not competitive.

22. The Provost as Financial Steward: A Conversation with Chuck Ambrose and Mike Nietzel

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Chuck Ambrose and Dr. Mike Nietzel discuss their book 'Colleges on the Brink' and the concept of financial exigency in higher education. They explore the challenges institutions face in maintaining financial health, the importance of monitoring key metrics, and the balance between making tough financial decisions and preserving academic integrity. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive financial management, engaging faculty in budget processes, and identifying new revenue streams to ensure institutional sustainability. They also share lessons learned from institutions that have successfully navigated financial exigency and provide book recommendations for further reading.
Takeaways
Monitoring key financial metrics is essential for provosts.
Balancing financial decisions with academic integrity is challenging.
Engaging faculty in financial discussions is crucial.
Most institutions that declare exigency do not go out of business.
Provosts play a key role in resource allocation and decision-making.

21. Navigating Change in Higher Education: A Conversation with Brian Rosenberg

In this episode of EdUp Provost, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, discuss the challenges and strategies for leading change in higher education. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of political skill, inspiration, and modeling desired behaviors for provosts. The conversation covers various topics, including the need for agility in academic structures, strategies for curricular reform, lessons from global education models, and the balance between maintaining rankings and fostering innovation. Dr. Rosenberg also addresses the financial pressures facing institutions, the importance of engaging faculty in change processes, and the need for equity and access in higher education. He advocates for an entrepreneurial mindset among provosts and highlights the necessity of resilience in leadership.
 
Takeaways
Provosts must rely on political skill and inspiration to lead change.
Building coalitions is essential for effective leadership in academia.
Educating the community about institutional challenges fosters understanding.
Curricular reform should reflect the evolving nature of disciplines.
Global models of higher education can inspire innovation in the U.S.
 

20. “Relationships Matter for Student Success:” A Conversation with Isis Artze-Vega and Peter Felten

In this conversation, Dr. Isis Artze-Vega and Dr. Peter Felten discuss the significance of relationship-rich education in fostering student success. They emphasize the need for academic leaders to create environments that prioritize meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff. The discussion covers strategies for supporting first-generation and non-traditional students, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the role of faculty and staff in nurturing these connections. They also explore the challenges of diversity in faculty-student relationships and the necessity of recognizing and rewarding those who contribute to a relationship-rich culture. The conversation concludes with insights on mentoring, online learning, and the concept of relationship accelerators as tools for enhancing student engagement and success.
 
Takeaways
Provosts must model relationship-rich behaviors to foster a culture of connection.
Strategies should be designed to help students understand the importance of relationships for their success.
First-generation students often need guidance on how to build academic relationships.
Intentional connections are crucial for student retention and success.
Creating a relational culture is essential, especially in large institutions.

19. Navigating the Future of Higher Education Accreditation: A Conversation with Sonny Ramaswamy

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy discuss the evolving landscape of higher education accreditation, particularly in light of recent changes that have eliminated regional boundaries for accrediting agencies. Dr. Ramaswamy emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and accountability in education while also addressing the challenges faced by accrediting bodies in the current political climate. The discussion also touches on the potential for three-year degrees and other innovative educational models to enhance accessibility and reduce costs. In this conversation, Dr. Ramaswamy discusses the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the push for three-year degrees, the rise of micro-credentials, and the importance of quality assurance in educational programs. He emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt to changing student needs and market pressures, particularly in light of declining enrollments. Dr. Ramaswamy advocates for a student-centered approach to education, highlighting the importance of meeting students where they are and ensuring that educational offerings provide real value. He concludes by reflecting on the transformative power of education in improving lives and communities.
The two articles he mentions can be found here:
https://nwccu.org/news/v6i1-letter-from-the-president/
https://nwccu.org/news/v6i4-letter-from-the-president/
Takeaways
Quality assurance is a fundamental responsibility of accrediting agencies.
Accreditation must focus on student outcomes and accountability.
The narrative around higher education's value proposition is shifting.
Disaggregated data is crucial for understanding student success.
Three-year degrees are gaining traction as a viable option.

18. Provosts and Liberal Arts Education: A Conversation with Richard A. Detweiler

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Richard A. Detweiler discuss the importance of liberal arts education, emphasizing the need for emotional engagement in decision-making, the significance of educational context over content, and strategies for fostering leadership and civic engagement among students. Dr. Detweiler advocates for a holistic approach to education that breaks down silos between academic and student life, encourages broadening curricula, and highlights the necessity of marketing liberal arts education effectively. He also addresses the challenges posed by job market demands and offers insights on supporting faculty development to align teaching methods with desired student outcomes. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of liberal arts education and the importance of adapting to societal needs while preserving its core values.
 
Takeaways
Data alone does not create change in education.
Liberal arts education is a living and learning experience.
Educational context has a greater impact than content.
Fostering leadership requires experiential learning opportunities.
Marketing liberal arts education should focus on life outcomes.
 
 

17. The Provost’s Role in Promoting Equitable Compensation Practices: A Conversation with Gail F. Baker and Frank A. Casagrande

In this conversation, Dr. Gail F. Baker and Frank A. Casagrande discuss the critical topic of faculty compensation at the University of San Diego. They explore the need for reevaluation of compensation structures, the importance of engaging stakeholders, common pitfalls in compensation studies, and the challenges faced during the process. They also highlight key metrics for sustainable compensation, the role of fiscal realities, and the positive impact on faculty morale. The discussion emphasizes the importance of transparency, long-term sustainability, and the critical first steps for provosts leading compensation initiatives.
Takeaways
The need for reevaluation of compensation structures is essential for fairness.
Engaging stakeholders early on fosters buy-in and collaboration.
Common pitfalls in compensation studies can derail the process if not addressed.
Challenges and resistance from faculty are expected and must be managed.
Key metrics for compensation should focus on equity and sustainability.

16. The Provost as Change Agent: A Conversation with John N. Gardner

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. John N. Gardner, Founder and Executive Chair of the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, discuss the pivotal role of provosts in higher education, emphasizing the importance of student success, equity, and the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences. He highlights the need for provosts to show interest in student success initiatives, cultivate future leaders, and implement high-impact practices that enhance student engagement. Gardner also reflects on the historical context of educational reform and the ongoing pursuit of social justice within the academic landscape.
 
Takeaways
Provosts should prioritize student success as a key interest.
The first-year experience is crucial for student retention.
Equity and inclusion must be central to educational initiatives.
High-impact practices significantly enhance student engagement.
Provosts play a vital role in setting expectations for faculty and students.

15. Disrupting the Status Quo in Academia: A Conversation with Bradley Fuster

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner interviews Dr. 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 absence of tenure allows for more flexibility in faculty governance.
Curriculum must adapt to the rapidly changing job market.
Challenger brands can serve as models for traditional institutions.