Welcome to Small College America!

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

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Small College America Karen Petersen - President Hendrix College
Dec. 2, 2025

Small College America Karen Petersen - President Hendrix College

Joining us today Dr. Karen Petersen is the 13th President of Hendrix College, taking office on June 1, 2023. A native of northwest Arkansas, she joined the Hendrix community from the University of Tulsa, where she served as D...

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Small College America Raj Bellani - Vice President & Chief of Staff Denison University
Nov. 25, 2025

Small College America Raj Bellani - Vice President & Chief of Staff D…

Today's guest is Dr. Raj Bellani, Vice President of External Affairs, Career Outcomes, and Chief of Staff at Denison University in Ohio. At Denison, Raj plays a key role in advancing the university’s strategic plan—strengthen...

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Small College America Kristen Soares - President of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
Nov. 18, 2025

Small College America Kristen Soares - President of the Association o…

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 Hoke: Kris...

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Small College America Dr. Michael Scarlett - Professor of Education Augustana College
Nov. 11, 2025

Small College America Dr. Michael Scarlett - Professor of Education A…

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, and I’m joined by my co-host, Kent Barnds . Today, we’re joined by Mich...

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Small College America Dr. Teresa Parrot - Principal of TVP Communications
Nov. 4, 2025

Small College America Dr. Teresa Parrot - Principal of TVP Communicat…

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: Our guest today is Dr....

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Small College America Dr. Josh Hibbard - Vice President Whitworth University
Oct. 28, 2025

Small College America Dr. Josh Hibbard - Vice President Whitworth Uni…

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, and I’m joined by my co-host, Kent Barnds . Today, we are speaking with...

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Recent Blog Posts

Small College America – Profile: Davidson College
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 …

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Small College America – Profile: Tuskegee University
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 h…

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Small College America – Profile: Washington and Lee University
May 8, 2025

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. Background Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a private libe…

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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