Small College America Podcast Returns for a New Season

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Feb. 2, 2025 - PRLog -- Small College America, the podcast dedicated to exploring the strengths, challenges, and future of small colleges, is officially relaunching with a new season. The series is co-hosted by Dean Hoke, Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group and former President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators, and Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.

Both Hoke and Barnds are passionate advocates for small colleges, having graduated from Urbana University (OH) and Gettysburg College (PA), respectively. Their personal experiences and professional expertise have shaped their commitment to highlighting the vital role these institutions play in American higher education.

"The landscape for small colleges is shifting rapidly, and we believe now is the time to amplify the conversation about their future," said Kent Barnds. "Dean and I are both passionate advocates for these institutions because we've experienced firsthand the impact of a small college education."  Dean Hoke stated, "The first season of Small College America confirmed that there is a deep need for dialogue about the opportunities and challenges facing these schools. With this new season, we aim to engage with higher education leaders to explore innovative strategies that will help small colleges not just survive but thrive in an evolving higher education environment."

The inaugural first season featured insightful conversations with small college presidents, including:

• Dr. Barry Ryan, Former President of Woodbury University
• Dr. Stefanie Niles, President of Cottey College
• Ryan Smith, President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
• Dr. Janelle Vanasse, President of Alaska Pacific University

The new season of Small College America will continue its mission of bringing critical discussions to the forefront by interviewing higher education leaders, policy experts, and innovators. The podcast will delve into the evolving role of small colleges, their economic impact, innovative strategies for sustainability, and how they can continue to provide a highly personalized educational experience.

Season Two will begin weekly on March 11^th at 11AM Eastern. More details, including upcoming, will be announced soon.

About the Hosts

Dean Hoke is the Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consultancy, and formerly served as President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). With decades of experience in higher education leadership, consulting, and institutional strategy, he brings a wealth of knowledge on small colleges' challenges and opportunities.

Kent Barnds is the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Augustana College, where he has been a senior administrator since 2005. A recognized thought leader in enrollment management and institutional strategy, Kent is deeply invested in the success of small colleges and the students they serve.