In conversation with Dr. Beau Breslin, Skidmore College

04/18/24 • 34 min

Dr. Beau Breslin is Professor of Government at Skidmore College, where he has spent most of career and held the position Dean of Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs between 2011-2018.
“You have to be a good listener. You have to be empathetic. These are the things that build credibility and build political capital.”

Dr. Breslin shares his perspectives from his time in the role as Dean of Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, including his thoughts about addressing resistance to change, being nimble, how nonacceptance of an idea can ultimately lead to better outcomes, and more.

Dr. Pat Farrell, former provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Lehigh University, hosts this five-part series on leading through change in higher education.
About Dr. Beau Breslin

Dr. Pat Farrell, former provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Lehigh University, hosts this five-part series on leading through change in higher education.
About Dr. Beau Breslin

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In conversation with Dr. John Zomchick, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Dr. John Zomchick is Provost at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the state’s flagship university. Dr. Zomchick came to the university in 1985. He has held the role of Provost since 2020, and previously served as Provost for Faculty Affairs, Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor.

"We have to make choices about where our resources go, but never miss an opportunity to say that, without the faculty, there is no university."

Dr. Zomchick shares a range of insights from his experience in leadership positions at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville including a major change initiative that did not go as anticipated, his thoughts on finding common ground among divisions, and navigating challenges during times of increasing pressure and scrutiny.
Dr. Pat Farrell, former provost at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and Lehigh University, hosts this five-part series on leading through change in higher education.

About Dr. John Zomchick

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In conversation with Lisa Sullivan, Mount Holyoke College

Dr. Lisa Sullivan is Provost and Dean of Faculty, Mount Holyoke College, and has been in her role since July 2022. She previously served for six years as Vice President for Academic Affairs and the R. Michael Shanahan Dean of the Faculty at Harvard Mudd College, as well as a Professor of Economic History.

“The opportunity to hear those different voices, to make them visible in processes that have garnered trust...it’s a critical element for institutional improvement.”

Dr. Sullivan shares her experiences in helping to drive institution-wide changes that shape and support culture, as well as ensuring different voices are involved in the change process. She reflects on stepping into the role of provost when new to the institution, how to support a new generation of leaders in the face of changing demands, and more.

Dr. Pat Farrell, former provost at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and Lehigh University, hosts this five-part series on leading through change in higher education.
About Dr. Lisa Sullivan