This panel brings together contributors and the editor of The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025) to explore how provosts can lead student-centered transformation. As chief academic officers navigate competing demands—institutional change, student needs, and organizational resilience—effective collaboration across divisions becomes essential. Panelists will share research-informed strategies for creating campus environments that prioritize student resilience, belonging, and purpose. Drawing from their handbook chapters, contributors will reflect on leadership lessons and actionable strategies that speak directly to:
- Building inclusive, student-centered learning environments
- Partnering strategically across student affairs, belonging, and wellness divisions
- Leading institutional mission during crisis and change
- Evolving the provost role from administrator to strategic caregiver
Michael Carr, Provost, North Park University (IL)
Lori Werth, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer and former Provost, University of Pikeville (KY)
Chair: Gregor Thuswaldner, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, La Roche University (PA)