Reviews

These podcasts on Small College America by Dean Hoke and Kent Barnds are excellent -- thorough, yet concise and give a picture of each college as a whole. They provide an avenue for people in higher education to learn about the workings of the various small colleges and would also be useful to prospective staff and students. So, if you want to learn about what's going on in small colleges, this is an excellent source. I highly recommend this series of podcasts.

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!

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 small colleges, having graduated from one (Berea College in Kentucky) myself.

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!

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 and opportunities facing our colleges and hear examples of how colleges are working to address them. A “must listen” for faculty, staff, board members, parents, alumni, and community partners.

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 how these institutions are adapting, thriving, and staying true to their mission of delivering a personal, high-quality education. While participating in the series, I not only had the opportunity to share my own experiences but also gained valuable insights from the perspectives of others. Small College America reminds us that the story of higher education is incomplete without the voices and experiences of small colleges—and that their impact is profound, enduring, and worthy of celebration.

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 of college age students. Add the rapid pace of changing technology, which colleges struggle to keep pace with, and you have a situation like what is facing colleges in America today. Dean’s background in media, marketing, and higher education, has prepared him well to conduct these podcasts. He has key players on the podcasts that either are currently, or who have had a history of dealing with these challenges in a very direct way. Dean probes key issues looking at both the causes and possible solutions. The podcasts are both insightful and entertaining. They are well worth the time. Hearing the perspective of college presidents, faculty, board members, and others, helps us better understand the real challenges, as well as the possible solutions to this very important issue facing our country!

What makes this series distinctive are all the concrete and useful details and perspectives of flourishing a small college, shared by mission-dedicated professionals.

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.

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!

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.

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