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.
Alongside the podcast, Dean Hoke’s written profiles dive even deeper, telling the stories of individual colleges, their traditions, their challenges, and their lasting contributions to their communities and beyond.
Recent Episodes
HigherEd PodCon Announces Finalists for Inaugural Higher Education Po…
HigherEd PodCon today announced the finalists for its inaugural HigherEd PodCon Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement across five categories in higher education podcasting. The announcement marks a significant milestone...
Inside the Crisis Facing Small Colleges with Jon Marcus
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 c...
Inside the Provost’s Office: Leading Small Colleges Through Change
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 Ba...
Inside Financial Aid: Strategy, Access, and the Future for Small Coll…
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 Ba...
Cybersecurity, AI, and the Future of Small Colleges with Irv Bruckste…
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, and I’m joined by my co-host, Dean Hoke. ” Dean: Joinin...
Rooted in Mission, Reaching the World: Rebecca Stoltzfus at Goshen Co…
Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in higher education. I’m Kent Barnds, at Augustana College, and I’m joined by my co-host, Dean Hoke. Our guest today is D...
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Recent Blog Posts
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 …
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.BackgroundFounded in 1881 by educator Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University is a private h…
Small College America – Profile: Washington and Lee University
April 7, 2025, by Dean Hoke: This profile of Washington and Lee University is the eighth in a series presenting small colleges throughout the United States.BackgroundFounded in 1749, Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a private libe…