5. Mission, Culture, and the Art of Leading Change: A Conversation with David J. Dausey

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 institutional mission must be the provost's north star, while emphasizing that social and emotional intelligence are equally essential leadership tools. He reflects on the importance of listening — whether conducting a presidential listening tour or receiving critique — and offers practical wisdom for new provosts on the value of patience, process, and taking change one step at a time.   Takeaways: The most important quality of a provost is an unwavering commitment to the institution's mission; it must be lived, not just stated. Technical expertise matters, but the ability to understand and respond to the lived realities of others is what truly defines effective academic leadership. Whether embarking on a new role or receiving criticism, intentional listening is the foundation of servant leadership. Culture change takes time; start one piece at a time and resist the urge to do everything at once. How decisions are made shapes how people experience them, even when the result is the same.