Episodes

Quick Recap - in this episode with Small College America, Kent Barnes, and Dean Hoke sit down with Eric Lindberg of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio, to discuss the role and value of small colleges in US higher education. Eric shares his personal experiences and the Foundation's approach to philanthropic giving. They also explored the importance of leadership teams, agility in responding to social and governmental changes, and the complexities of college mergers. Introducti...

Our guests today are Wendy Sherman Heckler from Otterbein University and Chet Haskell of Antioch University. They discussed their unique partnership, the Coalition for the Common Good. They also discussed the growth model of their shared services operation, the transition of Antioch from a financially constrained institution to a new model, and the expansion of the Higher Education Partners Coalition. The conversation also touched on the importance of trust, clear communication, and stakeholder ...

"Welcome to Small College America, a 30-minute weekly podcast series dedicated to exploring the strengths, challenges, and future of small colleges across the country. Each week, we’ll bring you insights from leaders, faculty, and students who are shaping the future of small colleges and their role in higher education. Introduction of Co-Hosts Kent Barnds and Dean Hoke provide background on where each works, what each does, their passion for small colleges, and why this podcast matters. What L...

Dr. Barry Ryan served as President of Woodbury University in California from 2022 to 2024. Woodbury, at the time of this interview in early 2023, had an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students. In June 2024, they finalize their merger with the University of Redlands A first-generation college student, Dr. Ryan fell in love with higher education. He has served in virtually every education context, from large state universities to private non-profit and for-profit institutions of all sizes. ...

Dr. Janelle Vanasse is the President of Alaska Pacific University, located in Anchorage, Alaska. She has been a leader in education for more than 30 years, specifically at schools and institutions that prioritize Alaska Native education. Immediately prior to joining APU, Vanasse served as superintendent in Sitka. She also held a range of leadership roles in the Bethel area, including principal. Throughout her career, Dr. Vanasse has elevated the educational experience for Alaska Native students...

Joining us today is President Ryan Smith, President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. He joined the institution as President in October 2019. Ryan spent the first 23 years of his career working as a Vice President and partner with Smith financial advisors. In 2007 he was elected to the Gallipolis City School board, and in 2012 he won election to be State Representative for the 93rd District of Ohio. He served as Finance Chairman and in 2018, Ryan was elected to s...

Joining us today is Dr. Stephanie Niles, President of Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, which has an enrollment of approximately 350 students. She is a national leader in her field and has been a successful, strategic, and innovative leader at multiple outstanding liberal arts institutions. Dr. Niles came to Cottey from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, where she served as the Vice President for Enrollment and Communications. In 2018-19, Dr. Niles served as the president of the Nati...