EdUp Provost

In this episode, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Dr. Arthur Levine, President of Brandeis University and a leading voice in higher education. They discuss Dr. Levine's latest book, co-written with Scott Van Pelt, titled From Upheaval to Action: What Works in Changing Higher Ed. How can institutions successfully navigate demographic, technological, and cultural upheavals? Th...

In this special edition of EdUp Provost, recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), to explore the evolving role of AI in higher education — and what it means for institutions committed to their core values. Dr. Hass highlights CIC's partnership with ASU+GSV, which supports brin...

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Dr. David Dausey, Provost and President-Elect at Duquesne University, for a rich and candid discussion about mission-driven leadership, the evolving role of the provost, and the mindset required to navigate transformative change in higher education. Dr. Dausey shares his deeply held conviction that fidelity to institutio...

In this episode, EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner sits down with Catherine E. O'Connell, Provost of Illinois College, as she shares the rich history, unique traditions, and bold initiatives shaping this historic institution. Now in her 10th year as Provost, Dr. O'Connell leads an institution approaching its bicentennial in 2029—the first college in Illinois to grant degrees and home to the...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Audra Spicer, the Provost and Acting President of CSU Global, discusses the unique model of CSU Global as a fully online university, its focus on career readiness, and the importance of flexibility for adult learners. She shares her journey within the institution, the challenges of transitioning to a leadership role, and the s...

In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner interviews Dr. Raul Rodriguez, the Vice Provost of Woxsen University in India. They discuss the unique aspects of Woxsen University, including its residential campus and the challenges and opportunities of operating in the Indian higher education landscape. Raul shares his journey from a psychologist to an academic leader, emphasizing the importance of...

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...

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 th...

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, stri...

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, communicat...

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...

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 visi...

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 dut...

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...

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 fa...

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 v...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Anthony Laden discusses his book Networks of Trust: The Social Costs of College and What We Can Do About Them and explores the social costs of college education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the networks of trust that students form, how these networks are transformed in college, and the implications for facult...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Naomi Zack discusses her book on rethinking affirmative action and DEI initiatives in higher education, advocating for a framework of multiplicity and belonging. She critiques the limitations of current approaches and emphasizes the importance of the humanities in fostering human well-being. The discussion also touches on the...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. john a. powell discusses his book The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong, focusing on the concepts of bridging and breaking in higher education. He highlights the role of provosts and academic leaders in creating environments that foster connection, belonging, and understanding across diverse groups. T...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Steven Rogelberg discusses the importance of reframing meetings in higher education as opportunities for engagement and collaboration rather than mere obligations. He emphasizes the need for effective facilitation strategies to foster psychological safety and open dialogue, as well as the importance of intentional meeting desi...

Leading from the Margins: A Conversation with Mary Dana Hinton In this conversation with EdUp Provost host D. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton discusses her evolving perspective on leadership, particularly from the margins, emphasizing the importance of resilience, courage, and vulnerability. She highlights the power of storytelling in higher education and how provosts can use their unique...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Stan Taylor and Dr. Karri Holley explore the evolving landscape of doctoral education, emphasizing the importance of global perspectives, the changing roles of supervisors, and the need for programs to adapt to diverse career paths. It addresses equity, access, and inclusion, as well as the challenges of maintaining quality am...

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner and Milton E. Clarke discuss the Community College Reform Movement, exploring its ideological foundations, the influence of neoliberalism, and the impact on faculty governance and institutional memory. They emphasize the need for shared governance and the importance of retaining institutional knowledge as educational policies evolve. In th...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Skrentny discusses the disconnect between the number of STEM graduates and the actual demand for STEM workers, emphasizing systemic issues within higher education and the role of provosts. He critiques the prevailing shortage rationale for STEM education and advocates for a focus on foundational skills that prepare studen...

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Musa Al-Gharbi discusses his book 'We Have Never Been Woke', which critiques the prevailing narratives in higher education regarding social justice and progressivism. He introduces the concept of 'symbolic capitalism' and explores the disconnect between intentions and outcomes in educational institutions. Dr. Al-Gharbi highlig...