The Chief Academic Officer's Handbook

The essential guide for provosts navigating leadership, strategy, and crisis in today’s complex higher education landscape.

The role of the provost—the chief academic officer—has never been more critical or challenging. Tasked with overseeing the academic mission of colleges and universities, provosts manage a wide range of responsibilities, from guiding institutional strategy and resource allocation to navigating faculty relationships, student success, and increasingly complex crises. The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook is an essential resource for those stepping into this demanding role as well as seasoned leaders seeking new strategies and perspectives.

Written by current and former provosts affiliated with the Association of Chief Academic Officers (ACAO) and edited by Gregor Thuswaldner, this comprehensive volume offers practical advice, best practices, and candid reflections from leaders representing a wide range of higher education institutions. Organized for quick reference, the handbook spans the full spectrum of the provost’s responsibilities. From establishing an inclusive academic vision and working effectively with presidents and senior leadership to engaging with external stakeholders and managing institutional resources, each chapter addresses real-world challenges with clarity and insight. The book also tackles critical issues like crisis management, faculty relations, and the need for self-care in a role defined by constant high-stakes decision-making. The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook is the must-have guide for those committed to leading academic enterprises with integrity, vision, and resilience.

Published jointly with the Association of Chief Academic Officers.

Contributors: Forrest Anderson, Gail F. Baker, Kevin R. Carman, Michael Carr, Heather J. Coltman, Tondra De, Alicia Ory DeNicola, Junius J. Gonzalez, Ellen Granberg, Chris L. Heavey, Beth Ingram, Keith B. Jenkins, Kathy E. Johnson, Sacha Kopp, Bradley C. Litchfield, Joan F. Lorden, Jennifer Luddy, April C. Mason, John J. McCarthy, Laura Niesen de Abruña, Peter O. Nwosu, Robyn E. Parker, Amir Rahnamay-Azar, Patricia E. Salkin, Michael J. Sosulski, Costas Spirou, Pamela Stinson, Gregor Thuswaldner, Jennifer E. Walsh, Roger J. Ward, Burton Webb, Lori Werth, Michele G. Wheatly, James J. Winebrake, Maria Woodside-Oriakhi, and Servet M. Yatin.

Author Biography

Gregor Thuswaldner is the vice president for academic affairs and the dean of the faculty at La Roche University.