EdUp Provost

20. Bridging AI and Education Through Critical Curiosity: A Conversation with Joshua Thorpe

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Joshua Thorpe discusses the integration of AI in higher education, emphasizing the need for a shift in how AI is perceived and utilized in academic settings. He advocates for treating AI as an interactive environment rather than a mere tool and shares practical strategies for faculty to incorporate AI into their curricula. Ethical considerations surrounding AI usage are also explored alongside institutional approaches to fostering AI literacy among students. Thorpe highlights the innovative use of comics in his book 'AI for Students' as a means to engage learners and make complex topics more accessible. He concludes with advice for institutions hesitant to embrace AI, stressing the importance of critical curiosity in navigating this evolving landscape. Thorpe and Thuswaldner discuss the implications of AI on the future of work, education, and the humanities. They explore the evolving role of educators, the importance of critical digital literacy, and the potential for AI to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations and the nature of consciousness in relation to AI.
Takeaways
AI should be treated as an environment for thinking.
Flipping the script on AI usage can enhance creativity.
Understanding prompt design is crucial for effective AI use.
Small steps are key to integrating AI into curricula.
Critical curiosity is a balanced approach to AI.

19. Challenges Confronting Provosts: A Conversation with William G. Tierney

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. William G. Tierney discusses the pressing challenges facing higher education today, including the student debt crisis, the role of provosts in alleviating financial burdens on students, and the importance of academic freedom and free speech on campuses. He emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt to changing circumstances and the critical role of government in supporting education. The discussion also touches on the impact of for-profit institutions and the necessity for universities to maintain financial health while ensuring equitable access to education. In this conversation, Dr. Tierney discusses the complexities of academic freedom, the role of provosts in higher education, and the need for universities to rebuild trust with the public. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue in addressing controversial topics and the challenges posed by social media. Tierney also critiques the current narrative linking education to future earnings and advocates for a broader understanding of the value of higher education.
Takeaways
The student debt crisis is a significant challenge for higher education.
Provosts must implement measures to alleviate student debt while maintaining financial health.
For-profit institutions often lead to unsustainable debt for students.
Government intervention is necessary to guide students towards affordable education options.
Academic freedom requires careful consideration and proactive management by provosts.

18. The Provost under Political Pressure: A Conversation with Holden Thorp

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Holden Thorp discusses the evolving role of provosts in higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic leadership amidst political pressures. He reflects on the challenges faced by academic leaders, the significance of academic freedom, and the need for a renewed focus on undergraduate education. Thorp shares insights from his experiences and highlights the necessity for provosts to navigate complex political landscapes while advocating for academic values. In this conversation, Thorp and Thuswaldner discuss the pressing issues facing higher education today, emphasizing the need for universities to prioritize teaching and student engagement over research and administrative concerns. They explore the disconnect between public perception and institutional priorities, the importance of open communication to rebuild trust, and the necessity of fostering a culture of respectful disagreement among students and faculty. Thorp shares insights from his experiences as a provost and highlights the challenges of aligning university values with public expectations.
Takeaways
Provosts must balance political pressures with academic integrity.
Academic freedom is essential for a thriving educational environment.
Leadership in higher education requires understanding faculty dynamics.
Provosts should be proactive in advocating for undergraduate education.
Navigating political landscapes is a key challenge for academic leaders.

17. Navigating the Future of Small Colleges: A Conversation with Mary B. Marcy

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mary B. Marcy discusses her book, The Small College Imperative, focusing on the need for small colleges to transform rather than rely on traditional stewardship. She highlights the importance of understanding student demographics, financial sustainability, and the balance between liberal arts and market demands. Dr. Marcy emphasizes the role of provosts in fostering collaboration and morale during periods of change while also navigating shared governance. The discussion concludes with insights on leadership qualities essential for provosts and the importance of reading both professional and fictional works to ground oneself in the educational mission.
Takeaways
Transformation is essential for small colleges to thrive.
Understanding student demographics is crucial for institutional relevance.
Financial sustainability is a pressing concern for many colleges.
Balancing liberal arts with market demands is a significant challenge.
Provosts play a key role in fostering collaboration and morale.

16. The Mentorship Imperative: A Conversation with Kimberly A. Griffin and W. Brad Johnson

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Kimberly Griffin and Dr. Brad Johnson discuss the importance of mentorship in higher education, exploring its evolution, defining characteristics of successful mentor-mentee relationships, challenges faced, and the benefits for both mentors and mentees. They emphasize the need for institutions to invest in mentorship programs and to change how faculty are rewarded for mentoring efforts. The discussion also highlights surprising lessons learned from their research on mentorship. Drs. Griffin and Johnson discuss the multifaceted nature of mentorship, emphasizing the importance of diverse relationships, understanding dynamics, and creating a supportive culture. They explore how mentors can navigate differences in identity and background, the role of mentorship in leadership development, and the significance of emotional intelligence.
Takeaways
Mentorship is essential for student success and retention.
Successful mentorship is characterized by trust, connection, and reciprocity.
Many faculty members lack training in effective mentoring practices.
Mentorship should be integrated into existing faculty roles and responsibilities.
Psychological capital, such as resilience and self-efficacy, is fostered through mentorship.

15. Who Needs College Anymore? A Conversation with Kathleen deLaski

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Kathleen deLaski discusses her provocative book, Who Needs College Anymore?, which challenges the traditional view of college degrees as the primary pathway to success. She explores the societal implications of this view, the stress it places on students, and the need for alternative pathways such as apprenticeships and industry certifications. DeLaski advocates for a redefinition of the role of universities to include credentialing skills beyond traditional degrees, emphasizing the importance of micro pathways and flexible learning options to meet the needs of diverse learners. In this conversation, Thuswaldner and deLaski discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the importance of access, lifelong learning, and the integration of microcredentials. They explore the need for colleges to adapt to changing societal demands, the significance of employer engagement in providing students with relevant experiences, and the enduring value of liberal arts education. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on learning and hiring processes, highlighting the necessity for educational institutions to innovate and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Takeaways
Alternative pathways like apprenticeships are gaining traction.
Colleges should redefine their role in credentialing skills.
Microcredentials can provide valuable skills recognition.
The traditional college experience may not suit everyone.
Flexible learning options are essential for modern education.

14. The Power of Narrative in Higher Ed Leadership: A Conversation with Lauren Brodsky and David Chrisinger

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Lauren Brodsky and David Chrisinger, and discuss the critical role of storytelling in academia, particularly in effectively communicating data and engaging diverse stakeholders. They explore strategies for academic leaders to present data compellingly, the importance of understanding audience needs, and the balance between emotional appeal and evidence-based arguments. The discussion also highlights common pitfalls in data presentation, the effective use of visuals, and how to turn failures into opportunities for growth.
Takeaways
Storytelling is essential for academic leaders to communicate effectively.
Data must be translated into narratives for better understanding.
Understanding your audience is key to effective communication.
Avoid overwhelming your audience with complex data presentations.
Emotional appeal can enhance the persuasiveness of data.

13. Cultivating Innovation Through Serendipity: A Conversation with Christian Busch

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Christian Busch discusses the concept of serendipity in leadership, emphasizing how individuals and organizations can cultivate a mindset to recognize and act on unexpected opportunities. He explores the importance of trust, clarity, and a culture of psychological safety in fostering innovation and resilience within academic institutions. The discussion also highlights the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, diversity, and overcoming mental shortcuts to create an adaptable academic culture. Dr. Busch provides practical strategies for academic leaders to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities and encourages the development of environments that promote meaningful connections among faculty and students.
Takeaways
Serendipity is about active luck that we create ourselves.
Cultivating a serendipity mindset is essential for leadership.
Reframing setbacks can foster innovation and resilience.
Creating a culture of psychological safety encourages open communication.
Building connections between unrelated ideas can lead to breakthroughs.

12. The (Perception of) Power of the Provost: A Conversation with Mark Kretovics

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mark Kretovics discusses the dynamics of power and leadership within higher education, particularly focusing on the role of provosts. He explores the unique challenges provosts face regarding their perceived and actual power, the importance of building relationships, and the various leadership styles that can be effective in fostering collaboration. Dr. Kretovics emphasizes the need for provosts to adapt their leadership approach based on the situation and the individuals they are working with, highlighting the balance between transformational and transactional leadership. He also underscores the significance of building influence across different stakeholders within the institution. Mark Kretovics and Gregor Thuswaldner discuss the essential qualities and strategies for effective leadership in higher education, particularly for provosts. They emphasize the importance of building trust, collaboration, and humility, as well as the need for authenticity in relationships. The discussion also covers how to drive institutional change while managing crises effectively and aligning leadership goals with the broader mission of the institution.
Takeaways
Power is defined as the ability to get people to do things.
Provosts operate in a unique position with limited direct power.
Building relationships is essential for effective leadership.
Provosts should focus on institutional goals, not personal agendas.
Situational leadership allows for adaptability in different contexts.

11. The Provost’s Role in Strategic Planning: A Conversation with Mike Moss

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Mike Moss, president of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), to discuss the evolving role of provosts in higher education, emphasizing the importance of integrated strategic planning. Moss highlights the need for collaboration across departments, effective stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of strategies that promote student success. He also addresses the challenges faced by provosts in fostering a culture of planning and the significance of scenario planning in navigating future uncertainties in the educational landscape. In this conversation, Mike Moss from SCUP discusses the critical role of scenario planning in higher education, emphasizing the need for institutions to be proactive rather than reactive. He highlights the importance of aligning governance with strategic planning, the flexibility required in planning processes, and the necessity of adapting to post-pandemic changes. Moss also addresses the incorporation of emerging technologies and the diverse needs of institutions, advocating for a community of practice approach to foster connections and share insights. Finally, he shares personal leadership insights and the significance of team dynamics in implementing strategic initiatives.
Takeaways
Provosts are increasingly involved in institutional planning.
Effective leadership and communication are essential for collaboration.
Building relationships across departments is crucial for success.
Student success should be the primary focus of planning efforts.
Clarity and brevity in communication enhance understanding.