A recent article in the Boston Globe described the struggles of small colleges and their likely collapse in the not too distant future. Sure, some will close but I have a different take. Here's a part of my response: As the former president for 8 plus yrs of one of the colleges referenced, I want to share a more optimistic take on small colleges, including the one I led with a remarkable team over the years. I want to begin with three questions: (1) Whom do these colleges serve? (2) Are their graduates better for having attended and graduated (and even those who stopped out, are they better for the experience)? and (3) If not small colleges, where? Ponder these questions/answers. Small colleges, non-elite small colleges, help many first generation, Pell eligible students find their way. That's powerful in and of itself. Small colleges have faculty who actually teach, and teaching and pedagogy matter to them. Small colleges produce people who help make the world go round: police officers, nurses, community based workers, social workers, teachers, small entrepreneurs, radiology techs, healthcare advocates, coaches.  Returning to the article: You bet there is a place for small colleges. I'd put money on it.  I believe. My question is really: why don't you? …see more