7. From Upheaval to Action: A Conversation with Arthur Levine

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? Thuswaldner and Levine explore practical strategies for leadership, faculty engagement, technology integration, and institutional transformation. This episode offers a comprehensive guide for academic leaders, faculty, and policymakers navigating the future of higher education amidst unprecedented change. Key Takeaways: Many institutions visited during the research lacked a clear sense of direction in responding to demographic, economic, technological, and global changes — revealing a widespread leadership gap across higher education. The new book, From Upheaval to Action, moves beyond diagnosis to offer concrete strategies drawn from fieldwork at over 60 institutions across all regions and types. The provost role is arguably the hardest in higher education, requiring a president and provost to function as true "dance partners" for meaningful institutional transformation to occur. Real change at the academic core requires alignment across vision, budget, enrollment management, and marketing — no single leader can drive transformation alone. Looking beyond campus walls to understand what for-profit and alternative education providers are doing is essential for any institution serious about preparing for the future.