Leading Through Curiosity and Learning: Provost Dr. Eli Hestermann's New Journey at Carroll

When Dr. Eli Hestermann arrived on campus this fall as Carroll University’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, he brought with him a mix of curiosity, energy and a genuine appreciation for community. From his first days at Carroll, Hestermann says he’s felt “incredibly welcomed and supported” by colleagues and students alike. “There’s a high degree of professionalism across the board,” he noted, “and it’s easy to find examples of people living out Respect, Integrity and Stewardship.”

It’s that culture of collaboration and care that drew Hestermann to Carroll in the first place. He saw in the university a model that blends the liberal arts with graduate and professional programs, preparing students for a rapidly changing world while remaining deeply rooted in its local community. “Carroll has a great mix of traditional liberal arts, graduate and professional programs that is critical to success for smaller, private universities today,” he said. “The city and county of Waukesha provide an ideal setting for Carroll, and I look forward to more intentionally serving this community.”

What a University Provost Does

Few people likely know what a Provost’s role is at a college or university. There is variety and flexibility depending on each institution, but Hestermann sticks to the traditional perspective on the position. The Provost is the Chief Academic Officer of a university and oversees:

• All academic programs
• Degree structures
• Instruction and curriculum
• The faculty who deliver that academic experience

At universities with multiple colleges or schools — each led by a dean — those deans typically report to the Provost. At Carroll, the Provost also serves as the second-in-command for the entire institution. If President Cindy Gnadinger is unable to carry out her responsibilities, the Provost steps in on an interim basis.

A Philosophy Built on Candor and Curiosity

Ask Hestermann about his leadership philosophy and he doesn’t hesitate, “I lead with commitments to candor and curiosity. Candor meaning that I will always share the truth as I see it, realizing that my perception is limited. Curiosity leads me to want to understand how and why things work and think about how we could do them differently.”

That mix of honesty and inquisitiveness shapes his approach to academic leadership. He describes his role simply as “remover of obstacles” – someone who helps create systems, processes and a culture that allow people to do their best work.

He also knows that higher education is navigating turbulent times. “The now infamous ‘Demographic Cliff,’ combined with growing skepticism about the value of college, is making life difficult for many universities,” he said. “At the same time, changes in government policy are impacting financial aid and international student enrollment. We need a university that is resilient to these changes, not relying on specific revenues outside of our control.”

The “Demographic Cliff” refers to a significant and lasting decline in the number of traditional college-aged students in the U.S., generally between the ages of 18 and 24. This drop is primarily attributed to lower birth rates resulting from the 2008 recession and its subsequent impact impact. Particularly small, private and regional colleges are seeing sharp decreases in the size of graduating high school classes. This has created intense competition for students and pressure to rethink academic offerings, recruiting and long-term planning.

Centering the Student Experience

Hestermann speaks often about students, and when he does, it’s with both empathy and a parent’s perspective. “As a parent of a college student, I regularly hear about the stresses and uncertainties, the disappointments and the victories that come in and out of the classroom,” he said. “Even as the university is constantly adapting to changing conditions, our students are doing the same. We need to both support and challenge each other to grow.”

He views student success as a collective effort that extends well beyond academics. “The Provost, and everyone in Academics, needs to recognize the expertise of the talented professionals in Student Life, Athletics, Campus Services and others who support our students every day,” he said. “One of the exciting things about being at a small university is the opportunity to build partnerships across all those areas.”

For Hestermann, those connections often take shape through engaged learning experiences — such as research, internships, and study abroad opportunities — that bring education to life. He’s mentored dozens of students through independent research, sponsored internships with advocacy groups and international clinics, and led study abroad programs in Belize, Italy and Bermuda. “I love all forms of engaged learning,” he said. “Those are the moments when students discover what they’re capable of.”

Advocating for Every Student

As Carroll welcomes a growing number of first-generation and international students, Hestermann is focused on helping them navigate a system that can feel unfamiliar. “We need to look at everything the university does through the eyes of students, particularly those who may not have support from family members who understand college,” he said. “It’s not obvious what a Registrar or a Provost is, or that you need to buy your own books before classes start.”

By keeping that perspective in mind, he hopes to make Carroll’s culture and systems more accessible and intuitive for all students.

Strengthening Carroll’s Ties to Waukesha

Hestermann also sees great opportunity in deepening Carroll’s partnerships with the Waukesha community — a relationship that dates back to the university’s founding. “Carroll was created by local residents who saw the value of having a college in their community,” he noted. “We need to make sure the people of Waukesha continue to see Carroll as their university.”

At his previous position at Furman University in South Carolina, Hestermann helped foster collaborations among the university, healthcare providers, nonprofits and local government. He plans to bring that same spirit to Waukesha, encouraging faculty to pursue community-engaged scholarships? that benefits both the city and Carroll students.

A Lifelong Learner at Heart

Hestermann’s résumé is impressive, but it’s his curiosity that truly defines him. A self-described liberal arts enthusiast, he’s taken classes in everything from economics and psychology to music theory and Italian. He has sung in and directed choirs, performed in community theater and joined reading groups studying Dante and Aquinas.

Outside the office, he loves being outdoors and on the move. Hestermann and his wife have hiked most of the Appalachian Trail, lived in Japan for a year and are closing in on visiting all 63 U.S. national parks. When he’s home, though, his creativity moves to the kitchen. “I’ve subscribed to Food & Wine Magazine for 30 years,” he said. “I’m constantly experimenting in the kitchen and looking forward to cooking big meals for family over the holidays.”

As Hestermann settles into his new role, his approach is already clear — lead with openness, build through collaboration and always keep students at the center. “We want our students to succeed,” Hestermann said simply. “That’s what everything comes back to.”