EdUp Provost

30. Defending Diversity and Academic Freedom: A Conversation with Marybeth Gasman

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Marybeth Gasman discusses the urgent challenges facing HBCUs and minority-serving institutions in the current political climate. She emphasizes the importance of leadership in standing up against fear and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The discussion also covers the impact of recent executive orders on higher education policies, the financial challenges faced by HBCUs, and the significance of maintaining the designation of minority-serving institutions. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Gasman discusses the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, particularly in the context of faculty hiring and systemic racism. She addresses the challenges posed by political pushback against DEI initiatives and emphasizes the need for institutions to remain committed to these values. Dr. Gasman also highlights the significance of academic freedom in fostering critical thinking and the role of academic leaders in protecting this freedom. Additionally, she shares personal strategies for resilience in the face of adversity and recommends impactful literature that inspires and informs.
Takeaways
Many people are afraid in today's political climate.
Leaders of minority-serving institutions must be strategic.
HBCUs have a history of resistance and moral leadership.
Executive orders are reshaping higher education policies.
HBCUs serve a large number of low-income students.

29. Crisis Management in Higher Education: A Conversation with Simon Barker

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Simon Barker discusses the critical role of crisis management in higher education, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and the need for institutions to align their responses with core values. He highlights the role of provosts in reputation management, the challenges of institutional neutrality, and the necessity of engaging students in meaningful dialogue. Barker also addresses the current political climate and its impact on higher education, advocating for a strategic approach to uphold free speech while maintaining campus safety. In this conversation, Simon Barker discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions, particularly in the context of crisis management and reputational risk. He emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies, effective communication, and engaging faculty in identifying and addressing potential issues. The discussion also highlights the need for universities to articulate their value to policymakers and the public, especially amidst increasing scrutiny and pressure from external forces. Barker introduces the Reputational Risk Maturity Model as a framework for institutions to assess their readiness for crises and improve their overall governance and response capabilities.
Takeaways
Higher education leaders often underestimate reputational risk.
Proactive leadership can mitigate reputational harm during crises.
The perception of a university's response is crucial in crisis management.
Provosts play a vital role in managing reputational risk.
Institutional neutrality should not prevent leaders from addressing relevant issues.

28. The White House vs. the Academy: A Conversation with Peter F. Lake

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Peter Lake discusses the current political climate affecting higher education, focusing on the legal vulnerabilities institutions face, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They explore the implications of recent political actions on DEI, the challenges of maintaining free speech and institutional neutrality, and the increasing necessity for legal expertise in higher education leadership. The discussion highlights the tension between legal mandates and the need for inclusive environments, as well as the chilling effect on academic freedom and speech. Drs. Lake and Thuswaldner discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the legal challenges institutions face, the internal threats to education, and the implications of political pressures on faculty and funding. They explore the responsibilities universities have under Title VI, the impact of judicial trends, and the future of academic leadership amidst these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for legal awareness and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of modern higher education.
Takeaways
Higher education is facing unprecedented political scrutiny.
Legal vulnerabilities for colleges are increasing due to political actions.
DEI initiatives are under significant threat at both state and federal levels.
The concept of neutrality in higher education is becoming increasingly complex.
Legal expertise is becoming essential for higher education leaders.

27. Transforming Learning with AI and Campus Collaboration: A Conversation with Adam Pryor

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Adam Pryor explores the initiatives and challenges surrounding the integration of AI in higher education, focusing on programs like All Campus Essentials and Build Your Own AI. Dr. Pryor discusses the structure of these programs, the level of participation, and the various ways campuses are adopting AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. The conversation also delves into the challenges institutions face, ethical considerations, and strategies for faculty and staff development. Dr. Pryor shares insights on collaboration among campuses and the metrics used to assess the success of these initiatives, concluding with reflections on the future of AI in education.
Takeaways
The All Campus Essentials program consists of four webinars designed to build a baseline understanding of AI.
Participation in the All Campus Essentials program exceeded expectations with 12,000 participants from 90 campuses.
The Build Your Own program focuses on project management and data cleaning for AI projects.
AI can help institutions interrogate data and improve decision-making processes.
There is a growing divide between AI users and non-users in higher education.

26. The Art of Disagreement and Navigating Political Pressures: A Conversation with John D. Inazu

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Inazu discusses the critical themes of pluralism and disagreement within the context of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to engage with differing viewpoints and the necessity of building trust within academic communities. The discussion also touches on the political pressures faced by universities, the impact of federal funding, and the challenges posed by DEI initiatives. Dr. Inazu advocates for a proactive approach to fostering pluralism and suggests practical steps for provosts to create a culture of constructive disagreement.
Takeaways
Pluralism is essential for a healthy democracy.
Disagreement should be taught as a skill in education.
Trust is foundational for meaningful dialogue.
Universities must clarify their mission to foster pluralism.
Small seminar settings are ideal for teaching disagreement.

25. “Hacking College:” A Conversation with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner engages with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson, co-authors of 'Hacking College,' to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education. They challenge the traditional focus on college majors, advocating for a broader perspective that emphasizes personalized fields of study and experiential learning. The discussion covers the need for cultural shifts in curriculum design, the importance of proactive advising, and strategies to streamline transfer processes. They also highlight the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating unique educational paths for students. In this conversation, Laff and Carlson discuss the challenges and opportunities in higher education, focusing on student persistence, mentorship, and the need for cultural change within institutions. They emphasize the importance of leveraging campus resources and creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The discussion also highlights various case studies that illustrate the diverse experiences of students and the potential for positive change through innovative strategies.
Takeaways
The major is often a limiting frame for students.
Students should view their education as a field of study, not just a major.
The empty college degree raises questions about the value of education.
Provosts can influence cultural dynamics without structural changes.
Advising should empower students to take control of their education.
 

24. "How to Mentor Anyone in Academia:" A Conversation with Maria LaMonaca Wisdom

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Maria LaMonaca Wisdom discusses her book, 'How to Mentor Anyone in Academia,' exploring the evolving landscape of mentorship in higher education. She emphasizes the need to challenge traditional mentorship models, advocate for a coaching mindset, and address the unique needs of diverse mentees. The discussion also covers the importance of recognizing and rewarding mentoring contributions, navigating power dynamics, and adapting mentorship practices in a hybrid academic environment.
Takeaways
Mentorship is often assumed but rarely explicitly discussed.
The traditional guru model of mentorship is outdated.
Mentors should focus on developing mentees' self-awareness and problem-solving skills.
Institutions need to support faculty in shifting their mentoring approaches.
Mentoring should be recognized as a form of leadership.

23. Universities and Democracy in the European Context: A Conversation with Sjur Bergan

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Sjur Bergan discusses the current state of European higher education, emphasizing the social responsibility of universities and their role in local democratic missions. He highlights the diversity of European institutions and the challenges they face, including financial constraints and political pressures. The discussion also touches on the concept of higher education as a public good, the importance of equipping students for democratic engagement, and the differences in governance models between Europe and the US. Dr. Bergan advocates for international partnerships and the need for universities to adapt to changing political climates while maintaining their core values.
Takeaways
European universities have diverse approaches to social responsibility.
Challenges include financial constraints and political pressures.
Higher education is viewed as a public good in Europe.
Democratic engagement is crucial for students today.
Governance models differ significantly between Europe and the US.

22. Lifelong Learning, Student Success, and the Power of Belonging: A Conversation with Drew Bogner and Robert A. Scott

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Robert A. Scott and Dr. Drew Bogner discuss their book, Letters to Students: What It Means to Be a College Graduate, exploring the evolving role of higher education in preparing students for life beyond just job acquisition. They emphasize the importance of transformational education, strategies for improving student retention, the significance of general education, and the necessity of fostering a supportive learning environment. The discussion also touches on the balance between academics and student life and the importance of lifelong learning.
Takeaways
Higher education should focus on transformation, not just transactions.
Belonging is crucial for student retention and success.
Education should develop character and citizenship alongside careers.
General education plays a vital role in liberating students' thinking.
Lifelong learning is essential for adapting to a changing world.

21. Words of Wisdom for Provosts: A Conversation with John Shoup and Troy Hinrichs

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Shoup and Dr. Troy Hinrichs discuss the concept of wisdom in leadership, particularly in the context of higher education. They explore how wisdom is defined, its importance for leaders, and practical ways to cultivate it. The discussion emphasizes the role of reflection in decision-making and addresses the challenges of ethical dilemmas faced by academic leaders. The conversation highlights the need for a balance between knowledge and wisdom, and the importance of fostering a culture of inquiry and reflection within educational institutions. This conversation explores the themes of wisdom, mentorship, and ethical decision-making in higher education leadership. The speakers discuss the importance of navigating dilemmas, the role of wisdom in guiding provosts, and practical steps to create a culture of wisdom on campus. They emphasize the need for humility, the value of mentorship, and the significance of teaching wisdom to both faculty and students. The discussion concludes with personal book recommendations that have influenced their perspectives on leadership and wisdom.
 
Takeaways
Wisdom is crucial for making consequential judgment calls.
Leaders should embody the philosopher king model.
Cultivating wisdom involves understanding multiple storylines.
Reflection is key to developing wisdom in leaders.
Experience alone does not equate to wisdom.