The Liberal Arts College Adapting to Change (PDF)

Social, economic, and market conditions have posed a serious threat to the survival of small schools. This book focuses on the adaptation of small, private, and predominantly liberal arts colleges to the changing conditions and demands of higher education. The ability of small schools to remain a force in the American system of higher education is a compelling story and an example of the strategic management of academic organizations. The history and accomplishments of one school in particular, Keuka College in New York State, is profiled in detail, with emphasis on the role of the administration and the faculty in institutional decision-making. The study found that the increasing pressures to respond quickly to external conditions require a willingness to make decisions that often challenge traditional norms in the relationship between administration and faculty. The book also examines recent initiatives of other schools to competitively position themselves Accepting the reality that all colleges and universities compete for students, small schools have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to apply new and creative management practices, many of which are examined in the book. In addition to academic leaders, other audiences such as boards, faculty, historians and scholars of higher education will find the book a valuable reference.