Small College America
Small College America is a podcast series that shines a spotlight on the powerful impact of small colleges across the nation. Hosted by Dean Hoke and Kent Barnds, the podcast brings listeners inside the world of small colleges through candid conversations with higher education leaders, policy experts, and innovators. Each episode explores how these institutions are adapting, thriving, and continuing to deliver a personal, high-quality education.
Recent Episodes
54
Nov. 3, 2026
Lee Fisher From Public Service to the College Presidency
Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President of Augustana College, and I'm joined by my co-host Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group.
Dean: Today, we're joined by Lee Fisher, the 10th president of Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Lee became president in July 2025 after serving nine years as Dean of Cleveland State University's College of Law
Dean: Today, we're joined by Lee Fisher, the 10th president of Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Lee became president in July 2025 after serving nine years as Dean of Cleveland State University's College of Law
53
Oct. 27, 2026
The Evolving Small College: Dr. Kate Morris President St. Lawrence University
Dean Hoke: Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group, and I’m joined by my co-host Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President of Augustana College, Kent: Today, we're joined by Dr. Kate Morris, the 19th president of St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. Kate became president in 2021 after a long career at Butler University, where she taught psycholog
52
Oct. 20, 2026
The Changing Role of the Small College Provost
Kent Barnds: Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President of Augustana College, and I’m joined by my co-host Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group. Dean: Today on Small College America, Kent and I are joined by Dr. Greg Piller, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. Greg joined Pfeiffer in August and his
51
Oct. 12, 2026
The Shrinking Pipeline: International Students and the Small College
Dean: Welcome to this live edition of Small College America and our Consequential Conversations series. I’m Dean Hoke, joined by my co-host Kent Barnds. Today we’re discussing “The Shrinking Pipeline: International Students and the Small College.” We’ll examine the current environment, what it means for smaller institutions, and the choices college leaders face. Kent: We are joined by three people who bring distinct perspectives to international education. Dr. Fanta Aw is Executive Director an
50
Sept. 29, 2026
Small Colleges Strong Communities: Matt Lindsey President Kansas Independent College Association
Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President of Augustana College, and I’m joined by my co-host Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group. Dean: Today, we’re joined by Matt Lindsey, President of the Kansas Independent College Association, a role he has held since 2012. Matt represents 21 nonprofit colleges and universities across Kansas, advocating for the in
49
Sept. 22, 2026
Accreditation in a Time of Change
Kent Barnds: “Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President of Augustana College, and I’m joined by my co-host Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group.” Dean: Today, we’re joined by Dr. Heather F. Perfetti, President of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Heather has served as a faculty member, chief academic officer, accreditation peer evaluat
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Sept. 20, 2026
Small College America Profile – Colorado College
September 20, 2026, by Dean Hoke: In my studies and interviews over the years with small private colleges, I have found that the vast majority believe there is something unique or special about their institution. In some cases, that distinction is e…
May 10, 2025
Small College America – Profile: Davidson College
April 21, 2025, by Dean Hoke: With this profile of Davidson College, I complete the tenth and final entry in my series exploring small colleges across the United States. This journey has deepened my appreciation for the distinct contributions and l…
May 10, 2025
Small College America – Profile: Tuskegee University
April 14, 2025, by Dean Hoke: This profile of Tuskegee University is the ninth in a series presenting small colleges throughout the United States. Background Founded in 1881 by educator Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University is a private histor…
Reviews
Excellent podcast with timely insights
I've worked in US international higher education for 15+ years, including work with all types of higher ed institutions. Small College America does a great job of capturing timely topics and insights into the landscape of US higher ed, which I find beneficial for institutions of all types and sizes. Great work!
- Adam Copeland
- May 8, 2025
Learnings from Effective Presidents in Small Colleges
I have watched several of the Small College America podcasts and what I like most of all are the insights and challenges that I see that presidents and provosts face (and other administrator types as well) during these very challenging times in higher education. So, the learning that I gain from simply listening to these high-level administrators is very interesting, and often inspirational! I am a learner, and so these are right down my alley. I should mention that I have great respect for sma
- David Nickel
- May 3, 2025
Excellent Higher Ed Podcast
A terrific podcast created for a broad audience interested in higher education, smaller colleges, and the impact that colleges have on students and communities. Dean Hoke, who is well versed in colleges and the broader market dynamics of higher ed, interviews college leaders, including presidents, provosts, athletic directors and others from a variety of small colleges. A great introduction for anyone interested in the future of higher education. You’ll learn about the most importance issues an
- D-Mcc
- April 29, 2025
Hearing the All Voices in Education
I was pleased and honored to be involved in Small College America, a podcast series that shines a vital spotlight on the powerful role of small colleges across the nation. Hosted by Dean Hoke and Kent Barnds, the series provides a rare and much-needed platform for elevating the voices of institutions where so many students are educated and communities are strengthened. Through candid conversations with higher education leaders, policy experts, and innovators, Small College America captures ho
- Paaige K. Turner, Ph.D.
- April 28, 2025
Outstanding, informative, and inspirational!
Kudos to Dean and Kent at "Small College America" for shining light on the important work and impact of our small colleges and universities in this country. I gain tremendous insights, and a new dose of inspiration, each time I listen. While so much attention goes to the larger, bigger named colleges and universities, the small colleges and universities in this country are making a big impact on society. Well done, Small College America!
- Marco Clark
- May 1, 2025
Small College America
The Small College America series by Dean Hoke is both thought provoking and timely. The headlines today blare the message of “College crisis in America”. Both political parties try placing blame upon the other. The truth is that there is plenty of blame to go around, and not just with politicians. Academics bear a legitimate part of blame as well. Then there is the simple, but always present, supply and demand issue. Birth rates have been declining for decades. That eventually impacts the number
- Tom Davisson
- April 26, 2025
Useful, Concrete Details
What makes this series distinctive are all the concrete and useful details and perspectives of flourishing a small college, shared by mission-dedicated professionals.
- Shah Hasan
- April 25, 2025
Very informative
Having listened to the podcast series -- and also having had the pleasure of being a participant-- I wish to compliment the organizers and to encourage all with interests in higher ed to take a listen. The small colleges of America are particularly important to the overall higher ed ecosystem
- Chet Haskell
- April 24, 2025
Small College America makes a LARGE impact!
In these uncertain times for American higher education, it is encouraging and inspiring to hear the stories from the Small Colleges that make such a difference in the lives of students and the communities they serve. Please share with your colleagues and friends what you've seen and heard from this series, and urge them to become part of the conversation!
- Dr. Barry Ryan
- April 24, 2025
Small College America is a must listen series
If you work or have attended a small college. Then this series is for you. Great guests discussing why small schools are important to the US higher education system.
- Nancy Baer
- April 24, 2025
Very Important Podcast
I’d recommend all board members and administrators involved with small colleges to regularly listen to this podcast. The challenges are many right now and this podcast will provide valuable insights.
- Charles Kim
- April 24, 2025