Is three a trend...?

Lawrence Biemiller interviewed Richard Ekman of the Council of Independent Colleges, several presidents of small colleges, and others in his article for The Chronicle of Higher Education, "3 Small Colleges Close, Is That a Trend?"  While debt and declining enrollment are two of the common reasons cited for closures recently announced by Burlington College, Dowling College, and Saint Catharine College, most of those interviewed focused on the unique situations of these three institutions.  There is evidence that presidents and trustees at small colleges are more focused on finances than was likely the case in the past.  Small institutions that manage their expenses and minimize their dependence on use of debt financing are more resilient as they deal with pressures of day-to-day operations. 

As a special bonus, the article is accompanied by a link to How Small Colleges are Finding Ways to Survive that pulls together previous articles from The Chronicle that highlight ways some smaller institutions are changing and adapting.   The .pdf version can be downloaded without cost.