Small College America How Small College Presidents Are Leading Through Uncertainty

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" frameworkManaging federal policy impacts on international students and financial aidAI integration at liberal arts vs. technical institutionsEvolving student support services and the shift to being "student ready"Bold institutional moves: new academic programs and community development partnershipsLeadership principles for uncertain times: transparency, cultural understanding, and institutional focusStandout Insights:How Presbyterian College increased transfer enrollment by making faculty "transfer friendly"Augustana's success achieving 85% of international student goals despite visa restrictionsLawrence Tech's creation of a fifth college after 50 yearsThe power of conservative budgeting and 11-year financial planningWhy articulating concrete student outcomes matters for institutional sustainabilityGuests:Dr. Anita Gustafson, President, Presbyterian CollegeDr. Andrea Talentino, President, Augustana CollegeDr. Tarek Sobh, President, Lawrence Technological UniversityHosts: Dean Hoke and Kent BarndsOriginally recorded as a live webinar on August 27, 2025