EdUp Provost

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 significance of student-centric decision-making. The conversation also touches on recent achievements, the role of AI in education, and advice for aspiring academic leaders, emphasizing the need for collaboration and continuous learning in the evolving landscape of higher education.Takeaways• Flexibility is crucial for adult learners pursuing education.• Student success is the top priority in decision-making.• Recent achievements include a career-connected campus designation.• AI should be embraced as a tool for efficiency.• Provosts need to focus on budget management and institutional priorities.

In this conversation, Gregor Thuswaldner interviews 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 interdisciplinary research, particularly in necrobotics. The conversation also touches on the balance between administrative duties and research, the agility of curriculum development in India, and the integration of AI in education. Raul provides insights into the ethical considerations of AI and the governance structure within Indian universities, concluding with advice for academic leaders.Takeaways• Balancing administration and research is a continuous challenge for academic leaders.• Leadership in academia requires a team-oriented approach.• The Indian education system is more agile in curriculum development compared to the West.• AI integration is essential for modern education and administration.• Governance in Indian universities is a mix of autonomy and administrative oversight.

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.

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.

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.