Small College America How Small College Presidents Are Leading Through Uncertainty
Update: 2025-09-02
Description
Three presidents share candid strategies for leading small colleges through unprecedented challenges. Dr. Anita Gustafson (Presbyterian College), Dr. Andrea Talentino (Augustana College), and Dr. Tarek Sobh (Lawrence Technological University) discuss practical approaches to enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and strategic innovation.
Key Topics:
- Enrollment strategies: transfer student recruitment and the "Four R's" framework
- Managing federal policy impacts on international students and financial aid
- AI integration at liberal arts vs. technical institutions
- Evolving student support services and the shift to being "student ready"
- Bold institutional moves: new academic programs and community development partnerships
- Leadership principles for uncertain times: transparency, cultural understanding, and institutional focus
Standout Insights:
- How Presbyterian College increased transfer enrollment by making faculty "transfer friendly"
- Augustana's success achieving 85% of international student goals despite visa restrictions
- Lawrence Tech's creation of a fifth college after 50 years
- The power of conservative budgeting and 11-year financial planning
- Why articulating concrete student outcomes matters for institutional sustainability
Guests:
- Dr. Anita Gustafson, President, Presbyterian College
- Dr. Andrea Talentino, President, Augustana College
- Dr. Tarek Sobh, President, Lawrence Technological University
Hosts: Dean Hoke and Kent Barnds
Originally recorded as a live webinar on August 27, 2025
Comments
In Channel
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States00:00
00:00
x
