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.