EdUp Provost

1. Transforming Education: A Conversation with Dr. Iris Lafferty

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner (La Roche University), Dr. Iris Lafferty, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Capella University, discusses her educational philosophy, the unique mission of Capella, and the importance of competency-based education for working adults. She shares insights on balancing compliance with innovation, the challenges faced by Chief Academic Officers, and the role of AI in education. Dr. Lafferty emphasizes the need for strategic leadership in a rapidly changing environment and offers advice for aspiring academic leaders.
Takeaways
Balancing compliance and innovation is crucial in higher education.
AI should enhance human capabilities in education.
Listening deeply is essential for effective leadership.
The triangulation of curriculum, faculty, and operations is vital for student success.
Understanding the needs of the workforce is critical for program development.

12. Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech: A Conversation with Roger J. Ward

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Roger J. Ward discusses the chapter on academic freedom and freedom of speech he wrote for the Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership. Dr Ward explains the critical distinctions between academic freedom and freedom of speech, emphasizing their importance in higher education. He explores the historical context of these concepts, the challenges faced by institutions today, and the limitations that exist within academic freedom. Dr. Ward also addresses the implications of recent political developments on academic freedom and the role of institutions in safeguarding these principles while promoting respectful discourse. Recorded in February 2025, this episode does not reflect the federal government's recent challenges to freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Takeaways
Academic freedom is essential for faculty to teach and research without fear.
Freedom of speech is protected under the First Amendment, but not absolute.
The distinction between academic freedom and freedom of speech is crucial for academic leaders.
Recent societal changes impact how academic freedom is perceived and applied.
Institutions must navigate the balance between academic freedom and a respectful environment.

11. “Self-Management for Provosts:” A Conversation with Kevin R. Carman

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. Kevin R. Carman discuss the chapter on “Self-Management for Provosts” they co-wrote for The Chief Academic Officer’s handbook: A Provost’s Guide for Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). They offer insights on self-management for provosts, emphasizing the importance of building professional networks, striking a balance between visibility and personal time, and practicing mindfulness. Thuswaldner and Carman discuss effective delegation, the role of executive assistants, and strategies for managing email. The conversation also touches on navigating difficult personnel decisions and the value of continuous professional development.
Takeaways
Provosts should engage with professional organizations to combat isolation.
Visibility on campus is crucial for provosts to connect with the community.
Carving out personal time is essential to avoid burnout.
Mindfulness practices can significantly improve well-being.
Effective delegation is key to successful leadership.

10. “At the Pleasure of the President:” A Conversation with Joan F. Lorden

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Joan F. Lorden discusses her chapter, “At the Pleasure of the President,” from The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). She offers valuable insights into the provost’s relationship with the president, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and balancing faculty needs with institutional priorities. Dr. Lorden explores strategies for building strong presidential partnerships, managing crises, preparing for leadership transitions, and navigating the complexities of fostering institutional growth and transformation.
Takeaways
A newly hired provost should start with a reservoir of trust.
Honesty and transparency are crucial in building relationships.
Understanding the institution's culture is key for success.
Provosts must balance confidentiality with transparency to faculty.
Explaining funding streams to faculty is essential for trust.

9. Navigating Visible and Shadow Structures in Higher Education: A Conversation with Chris Heavey and Tondra De

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Tondra De and Dr. Chris Heavey discuss the chapter on visible and shadow structures they wrote for The Chief Academic Officer's Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership. They examine the significant distinctions between visible and shadow structures in higher education, highlighting the importance of comprehending both for effective leadership. The discussion covers strategies for fostering collaboration, navigating informal networks, and addressing silos within institutions. They also explore the significance of communication, the role of provosts in shaping campus culture, and the importance of self-awareness and constructive feedback for effective leadership development.
Takeaways
Visible structures are formal and documented processes.
Shadow structures are informal and influential networks.
Effective communication fosters collaboration and minimizes conflict.
Building personal relationships is key to navigating shadow structures.
Transparency helps combat misconceptions about the provost's office.

8. “Seasons of a Provost:” A Conversation with Kathy E. Johnson and Beth Ingram

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Kathy E. Johnson and Dr. Beth Ingram discuss their chapter “Seasons of a Provost” in  The Chief Academic Officer's Handbook: A Provost’s Guide for Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025). They explore the often-overlooked topic of provost career transitions, the importance of aligning with presidential vision, and the necessity of having a plan B for unexpected changes. They also delve into the dynamics of cabinet relationships, fostering faculty relations, and the reflective practices that can guide provosts in assessing their career paths. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on knowing when to stay or go in one's career and book recommendations that emphasize empathy and understanding in leadership.
Takeaways:
Provosts often operate in the background compared to presidents.
Career transitions for provosts are rarely discussed openly.
Aligning with the president's vision is crucial for provosts.
Having a plan B is essential due to high turnover rates.
Building a network of support can provide valuable insights.

7. Defining the Roles of the Provost: A Conversation with Patricia E. Salkin

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Patricia E. Salkin discusses the evolving role of the provost in higher education, emphasizing the essential skills required for effective leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on academic expectations, and strategies for crisis management. She highlights the importance of building trust with faculty, balancing administrative duties with student engagement, and advocating for academic funding in resource-constrained environments. Dr. Salkin discusses the multifaceted role of a provost in higher education, focusing on the budget process, compliance with accreditation standards, strategic vision, work-life balance, and the evolving responsibilities of the position. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with deans and the president, the need for transparency in budgeting, and the challenges posed by changing regulations and societal issues.
Takeaways
The role of the provost has expanded significantly in recent years.
Creativity and critical analysis are essential skills for provosts.
Networking and understanding institutional culture are key for aspiring provosts.
Crisis management requires strong communication and teamwork.
Provosts should maintain transparency and open dialogue with faculty.

6. The Provost as Fundraiser: A Conversation with Kevin R. Carman

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.

5. What Makes an Effective Provost from a Dean’s Perspective? A Conversation with Forrest Anderson

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.

4. The Provost as “Chief Academic Vision Caster:” A Conversation with Jennifer E. Walsh

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.