​The provost sets the tone for the university's academic division, fosters an environment where academic affairs can thrive, promotes institutional self-reflection, and provides strategic direction toward educational excellence.

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Building a Team and Creating a Culture of TRUST
 

As Provost, my goal is to build a collaborative team and foster an ecosystem of trust within academic affairs—one that supports both short-term achievements and long-term institutional success. To realize this vision, my focus centers on five key areas:

1. Culture – cultivating a community of belonging, respect, and shared purpose.

2. Leadership – developing ethical, transparent, and forward-thinking leaders at all levels.

3. Management – ensuring effective structures, processes, and resource stewardship.

4. Implementation – turning strategic vision into measurable results through accountability and action.

5. Strategies for Success – leveraging innovation, partnerships, and continuous improvement to strengthen academic excellence.
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“It simply makes no difference how good the rhetoric is or even how good the intentions are; if there is little or no trust, there is no foundation for permanent success. Only basic goodness gives life to technique.” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p. 21.
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1. CULTURE: Trust in the person​

One of the best descriptions of culture I have read claims that it is "the water that we swim in." If the water is toxic, it will undermine almost all the excellent strategies we implement and the hard work we put into advancing the institution's mission. Here are some values that help create a positive and healthy institutional culture founded on trust.

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• Integrity and Goodness

  • Honesty

  • Authenticity

  • Vulnerability

  • Transparency

  • Benevolenc

  • Other-centered

  • Communication

• Model the way

• Build relationships

• Making people feel welcome and valued

  • Empathy

  • Compassion

  • Goodwill

  • Generosity

  • Fun, Humor, and Laughter

• Faculty governance

• Academic Freedom

• Optimism/Confidence

• Enthusiasm/Passion

• Commitment

  • Be the greatest champion of the mission​

• Courage

• Engagement

  • Visibility

  • Presence

• Innovation, experimentation, risk
   

2. LEADERSHIP: Trust in the vision

• Shared vision

• Active listening

• Forward-thinking

• Problem-solving

• Initiative

• Stewardship

• Knowledge of higher education

• Knowledge of the business of higher education

• Data-informed decision-making

• Shared Decision Making

• Entrepreneurship

• Team building

• Dynamic leadership
   

3. MANAGEMENT: Trust in the decision-making

• Character ethics: cultivate good habits

• The common good 

• The good of the institution and students should be your primary concern

• Never use retaliation as a tool

• Seek win-win solutions

• Never harm others intentionally

• Always maintain goodwill toward faculty and staff 

• Service-oriented 

• Communicate clear expectations

• Empower others

• Delight in the growth and success of others

• Equanimity

• Sense of humor 
   

4. IMPLEMENTATION: Trust in the ability to deliver outcomes

• Discipline

• Work ethic

• Grit

• Stamina

• Determination

• Persistence

• Resilience

• Teamwork

• Collaboration

• Communicate a clear purpose

• Stay focused on the goals

• System thinking

• Clear strategy

• Equanimity
   

5. Other Important Leadership Strategies for Success in Higher Education

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5.1 Reflection and Self-Awareness

Strong leadership begins with knowing yourself, your institution, and your environment. Reflection and awareness provide the foundation for wise decision-making and responsive leadership.

Value and pursue the following:

• Know your student demographics.

• Understand the changing demographics in your region.

• Familiarize yourself with your faculty and staff, including their areas of specialization.

• Know your programs and degrees.

• Know your institutional data to identify strengths and weaknesses.

• Know your market demand, local needs, and areas of growth.
   

5.2 Creating a Flourishing Environment

Leadership must cultivate an environment where ideas, innovation, and collaboration can thrive. A flourishing academic community values shared responsibility, respect, and creativity.

Value and pursue the following:

• Share leadership responsibilities.

• Encourage leadership at all levels.

• Provide autonomy and freedom within a cohesive vision.

• Empower campus leaders.

• Listen carefully to diverse perspectives.

• Allow for “fallible progress” and continued improvement.

• Keep the focus on central goals and student success.

• Foster a culture of civility and respect.
   

5.3 Collaborative Vision for the Future

Leaders must guide their institutions not only by addressing today’s needs but also by envisioning tomorrow’s opportunities. A collaborative vision unites the community in striving for excellence and preparing for the unknown.

Value and pursue the following:

• Strive for excellence through high standards and expectations.

• Stay informed about changes in higher education.

• Educate others and cultivate a culture of learning and idea-sharing.

• Clearly communicate the institution’s goals and purpose.

• Nurture a growth mindset and continuous improvement (through experimentation).

• Think futuristically while staying grounded in current realities.

• Anticipate trends and imagine future possibilities.

• Leave space for the unimaginable.

• Create fertile conditions for innovation.

 

Provost's Values

1. Model Ethical Behavior

2. Display equanimity consistently.

3. Create a shared vision among all campus constituencies and stakeholders.

4. Build and sustain effective communication strategies with faculty.

5. Create transparency of information, processes, and decision-making.

6. Apply data and evidence in decision-making processes.

7. Advance and protect academic freedom.

8. Endorse and practice shared governance.

9. Pursue excellence in curriculum development, teaching, and research.

10. Encourage creative, experimental, and forward-thinking ideas to meet the new challenges in higher education.

11. Create an inclusive community in which every voice counts.

12. Support and promote respectful and civil engagement.

13. Advance student support and success.

14. Establish fair academic policies and implement them consistently.

15. Create a culture of trust among members of the institution.

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