Small College America

HigherEd PodCon Announces Finalists for Inaugural Higher Education Podcasting Awards

HigherEd PodCon today announced the finalists for its inaugural HigherEd PodCon Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement across five categories in higher education podcasting. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the growing community of educators, administrators, students, and independent creators who are using audio storytelling to advance the mission of higher education. Organized by the co-founders of HigherEd PodCon, of which Dean Hoke of Small College America is a co-founder, created the awards program to formally recognize the innovation and impact of higher education podcasting. The response from the community was exceptional: 155 nominations were received, representing the higher education podcast community. Outstanding Podcast Series “Where What If Becomes What’s Next” (Carnegie Mellon University) - R andy Scott “Lab Coat Optional” (Arizona State University Knowledge Enterprise) - Pete Zrioka “Policy and Governance Perspectives” (George Mason University) - D avid Ramadan Episode of the Year “Individual Choices, Challenges, and Social Changes” Series: Good Is In The Details - Gwendolyn Dolske (Cal Poly Pomona) and Rudy Salo (Chapman University) “Sounds of College Life with Stage Left” Series: Sounds of College Life Podcast, (Miami University) - Maggie Snee “Rest Matters” (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) - Colleen Wamback featuring Stacy Shaw. Outstanding Student-Led Podcast “Major Insight” (Miami University) - Submitted by James Loy “The Bridge” (University College London) - Submitted by Indianna Dimmer “Madison Science Mystery Tour” (WSUM, University of Wisconsin–Madison) Submitted by Nalina Cherr “Curing the Curriculum: Students’ Take on Medical Education” (University of Groningen, Netherlands) - Submitted by Ulf Ebeling Podcaster of the Year Garret Castleberry, (Mid-America Christian University) - Host of “Special Topics in Media” Kimberlé Crenshaw, (Columbia Law School and UCLA School of Law) - Host of “Intersectionality Matters!” Lolita Cummings, (Eastern Michigan University) - Host of “Enlighten U” Kate Young, (Purdue University) - Host of “This Is Purdue” Outstanding Institutional Podcast Network Dragon Podcasts (Howard Community College) This Is UIC Podcast Network (University of Illinois Chicago) Wharton Podcast Network (Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania) LCC Connect — (Lansing Community College) About HigherEd PodCon HigherEd PodCon is the premier conference dedicated to podcasting in higher education. The event brings together creators, educators, communications professionals, and institutional leaders to share best practices, explore innovation, and celebrate the power of audio storytelling in advancing higher education’s mission. Award winners will be announced at HigherEd PodCon 2026, taking place July 16–17 in Cleveland, Ohio at Cuyahoga Community College. For more information and to register, visit www.higheredpodcon.com.

Inside the Crisis Facing Small Colleges with Jon Marcus

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, Executive Vice President of Augustana College, and I’m joined by my co-host Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group.  Today, we’re joined by Jon Marcus, a senior higher education reporter at The Hechinger Report, whose recent reporting has helped bring national attention to a sobering reality: hundreds of small private colleges may be at risk of closure or merger in the years ahead. His reporting has appeared widely, including on NPR, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, and he co-hosts the higher education podcast College Uncovered. In addition to his reporting, Jon teaches journalism at Boston College and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. Jon, welcome to Small College America, and by the way, if you are not aware, The Report is an outstanding independent nonprofit news organization based at Columbia University. Question 1: Kent: Jon, let’s start with your April 13 reporting on the projection that 442 private colleges are at risk of closing or merging over the next decade. That’s a striking number. When you reported that, did it surprise you, and what does it really tell us about where higher education is right now? Question 2:  Dean: Jon you started that article with Sterling College, which is closing this year. Taken on its own, Sterling—with enrollment falling from about 150 students to around 40 may not be entirely surprising. But it’s now the seventh private college in Vermont to close since 2016. When you zoom out and looking at the bigger picture, how should we be thinking about the broader impact of these closures, not just on students, but on the communities that rely on these institutions? Question 3:  Kent: You’ve noted that about 20% of college leaders have had serious merger discussions. From what you’ve seen, are institutions still too hesitant to pursue partnerships or mergers early enough, and what gets in the way of acting sooner? Question 4:  Dean: Jon, let me put you in a different seat. Suppose you’re invited to speak at a board retreat for a small private college. Based on everything you’ve reported, what would you want those trustees and that president to understand, and what would you urge them to do? Question 5:  Kent: At some point, this becomes a consumer decision. From your reporting, are parents still convinced small colleges are worth it, or is the conversation now primarily about price? Question 6: Dean: Looking out five to ten years, with the demographic cliff, declining college-going rates, and growing skepticism about value, how do you see the landscape for small private colleges evolving? Are we headed toward continued contraction—or something more transformative? Closing Kent: Jon, this conversation is a reminder that beyond the data and projections are real people navigating uncertainty and difficult choices. Your reporting helps us better understand those realities. Thank you for your perspective, your clarity, and for the important work you do. For those listening or viewing, if you'd like to learn more about Small College America, go to our web page at www.smallcollegeamerica.net [http://www.smallcollegeamerica.net], where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover. Also, I encourage you to subscribe to our series on your favorite podcast network, This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Edu Alliance Group — a higher education consulting firm that champions small colleges and the communities they serve.And if your college or university is involved in podcasting, be sure to check out HigherEd PodCon, coming to Cleveland, Ohio, on July 16th and 17th. It's a wonderful opportunity for professional development and networking with others doing this work in higher education. Visit www.higheredpodcon.com [http://www.higheredpodcon.com] for details. On behalf of our guest, Jon Marcus, my co-host Dean Hoke, and I, thank you for joining us.

Inside the Provost’s Office: Leading Small Colleges Through Change

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, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group, and I’m joined by my co-host, Kent Barnds.   Joining us today is Leamor Kahanov, who serves as Provost and Senior Vice President at Alvernia University, a private Franciscan institution in Reading, Pennsylvania. A scholar, administrator, and academic strategist with more than 25 years of experience as a provost, dean, and professor, Dr. Kahanov has also served as Provost at Stockton University and SUNY Oneonta, before joining Alvernia in August 2023.   Her scholarly credentials are remarkable, with more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, 120 peer-reviewed presentations, a textbook on athletic training and therapy, and she is co-host of EdUp Accreditation Insights, a nationally recognized podcast that has won EdTech Chronicle’s Best in Education award two years running, where she brings a working provost’s lens to the complex world of accreditation.   Before her career in academic administration, she served as a certified athletic trainer, including at the Olympic Games. She earned her doctorate from the University of San Francisco and completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard University. Welcome to the show, Leamor.   Reminder: For those listening or viewing, if you’d like to learn more about Small College America, go to our web page at www.smallcollegeamerica.net [http://www.smallcollegeamerica.net], where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover. Also, I encourage you to subscribe to our series on your favorite podcast network. This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Edu Alliance Group — a higher education consulting firm that champions small colleges and the communities they serve. And if your college or university is involved in podcasting, be sure to check out HigherEd PodCon, coming to Cleveland, Ohio, on July 16th and 17th. It’s a wonderful opportunity for professional development and networking with others doing this work in higher education. Visit www.higheredpodcon.com [http://www.higheredpodcon.com] for details.

Inside Financial Aid: Strategy, Access, and the Future for Small Colleges

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, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group, and I’m joined by my co-host, Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President of Augustana College.   Kent:  Joining us today is Maximo Flint-Morgan, MBA, who serves as Director of Financial Aid at Le Moyne College, a private Jesuit institution in Syracuse, New York, where he has led the financial aid office within the Division of Enrollment Management since February 2021. A Syracuse-area professional with a broad background spanning higher education, nonprofit work, and business, Maximo previously served as Associate Director of Financial Aid at Syracuse University, where he developed and managed comprehensive communications strategies for financial aid services. Deeply committed to the profession, he is an active contributor to the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association, supporting training and professional development for aid officers across the state. He is also a frequent speaker to students and families, offering practical guidance on FAFSA completion, scholarships, and financial planning.  Outside the office, Maximo is a devoted dad with a passion for soccer and world music. Welcome to the show, Maximo. Question 1: Finding the Path — Career Journey & Role Today Dean: Maximo, your path to financial aid wasn't exactly a straight line — how did you first find your way into this work? And give us a sense of what your role looks like today at Le Moyne. Question 2: Beyond the Paperwork — What Financial Aid Really Is Kent: When families think of 'financial aid,' they often think of paperwork. What are they missing about the actual work your office does? Question 3: Mission vs. Market — Aid Strategy at a Jesuit College Dean: Le Moyne is a private Jesuit institution with a commitment to access, but financial aid today is also deeply strategic. How much of what your office does is formula versus strategy? Question 4: FAFSA, Federal Policy & the Turbulence of Change Kent: FAFSA has been through significant turbulence in recent years. From your seat at a small private college, what's working, and what's not? Question 5: Student Mindset & Practical Advice for Families Dean: Are today's students and families approaching college financing differently than even five years ago, and if you were sitting across from a family with a high school junior right now, what are the two or three things you'd tell them to do today? Possible Follow-up: How should families think about borrowing responsibly? Is there a way to reframe student loans that you find resonates with families? Question 6: Closing — The Future Question Kent: Looking out five to ten years, with demographic shifts, the FAFSA's evolution, growing skepticism about the value of a college degree, and the financial pressures facing private institutions, how do you see the future of financial aid unfolding? And what role do small private colleges like Le Moyne play in that future? Closing Dean: Maximo, this conversation is a reminder that behind every financial aid office is someone who genuinely cares whether students get to the starting line. Thank you for your candor, your expertise, and for the work you do at Le Moyne every day." For those listening or viewing, if you'd like to learn more about Small College America, go to our web page at www.smallcollegeamerica.net [http://www.smallcollegeamerica.net], where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover. Also, I encourage you to subscribe to our series on your favorite podcast network, This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Edu Alliance Group — a higher education consulting firm that champions small colleges and the communities they serve.And if your college or university is involved in podcasting, be sure to check out HigherEd PodCon, coming to Cleveland, Ohio, on July 16th and 17th. It's a wonderful opportunity for professional development and networking with others doing this work in higher education. Visit www.higheredpodcon.com [http://www.higheredpodcon.com] for details. On behalf of our guest, Maximo Flint-Morgan, my co-host Kent Barnds, and I, thank you for joining us.

Cybersecurity, AI, and the Future of Small Colleges with Irv Bruckstein

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: Joining us today is Irving “Irv” Bruckstein, a transformational technology executive with more than three decades of experience across higher education, enterprise IT, and cybersecurity. He most recently served as Chief Information Officer at Washington College, where he rebuilt IT operations following a ransomware incident, modernized infrastructure, and led major initiatives in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and online learning. Irv is now the incoming CEO of CyberAI Group, where he is focused on advancing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and helping organizations strengthen resilience in an evolving threat landscape. Known for building high-performing teams and aligning technology with strategic outcomes, he brings a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to leadership. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics and an M.S. in Cybersecurity from Hofstra University’s DeMatteis School of Engineering. Irv, welcome to Small College America.  Question 1: From Big Campuses to Small Colleges Kent: Irv, your career includes some of the largest institutions in the country — Columbia University, NYU, where you helped build an entire campus from the ground up in Abu Dhabi. At some point you made a deliberate move toward smaller colleges. What drew you in that direction, and what surprised you most when you got there? Follow-ups: •      What can a small college CIO do that a large university CIO simply can’t? Question 2: Walking Into the Aftermath Dean: Irv, when you arrived at Washington College in January 2024, the institution was still dealing with the fallout of a serious ransomware attack that had occurred about a year earlier. You were essentially brought in to rebuild. Walk us through what you found when you got there, and how you approached turning things around. Follow-ups: •      What was the hardest conversation you had with college leadership in those early weeks? Question 3: The Small College Cybersecurity Gap Kent: Small colleges are often described as "target-rich, resource-poor" when it comes to cybersecurity; they hold enormous amounts of sensitive student data but rarely have the staffing or budget of a large research university. In your experience, do most small college presidents truly understand the cyber risk their institution faces, and should the CIO have a genuine seat at the leadership table? Question 4: AI on Campus — Promise and Peril Dean: You’ve been thinking about AI in higher education since at least 2019, when you co-hosted a symposium at Salve Regina about adaptive learning and AI-driven student outcomes. Now AI is everywhere. What should a small college realistically be doing with AI today — and where do you see institutions getting into trouble? Question 5: Crossing to the Other Side of the Table Kent: You’ve recently made a significant shift, from being a buyer and implementer of technology inside higher education to now building cybersecurity products at CyberAI Group. What does the view look like from that side? And what do you wish technology vendors understood better about what small colleges actually need? Question 6: Closing — The Road Ahead Dean: Last question, Irv — and we ask this of everyone on the program. Looking five to ten years out, what does the small college that’s getting technology right actually look like? And what’s at stake for the institutions that don’t get there? Closing Kent: Irv, thank you for a conversation that I think will stay with our listeners. The work of protecting a campus — its people, its data, its future, often happens invisibly, and you’ve helped make it visible today. We’re grateful for your time and your candor. For those listening or viewing, if you’d like to learn more about Small College America, go to our web page at www.smallcollegeamerica.net [http://www.smallcollegeamerica.net], where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover. Also, I encourage you to subscribe to our series on your favorite podcast network. This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consulting firm that champions small colleges and the communities they serve. On behalf of our guest, Irving Bruckstein, my co-host Dean Hoke, and I, thank you for joining us.