Stephens College Revamps Equestrian Studies Program

 

The Columbia Missourian posted "Stephens College initiatives expand equestrian program" on May 24, 2024 with reporting by Michael Baniewicz.

I am not a horse person, though I am fascinated by equestrian studies as a curricular subject. We are blessed in our area with two small institutions that have maintained strong programs over many years. 

Stephens has added courses as it redesigned the program to better align with industry needs and standards. There is also a new research collaboration between Stephens College and the University of Missouri. I enjoyed the reporting, including the comment that the Stephens College Equestrian Studies Program has the highest retention rates at the institution. 

The article also traces program history back to 1925 when horseback riding was added to Stephens’ curriculum by physical education instructor Wilma Haynes as an extracurricular activity.

Bennett College Successfully Focuses on Students

Interesting article on the EdDaily EDNC site, "Bennett College: Boldly moving through complex moments," with reporting by Nation Hahn.

President Suzanne Walsh and her team of faculty and staff are successfully redesigning the institution to serve a small student body.

You can also review several other Small College Garden posts featuring Bennett College:

• March 27, 2021 Bennett College Releases Strategic Statement Setting New Course as an Innovative Microcollege
• January 9, 2019 Overwhelming Support Emerges for Bennett College
• January 25, 2016 Bennett College is Featured...Impressive Changes over the past Decade

Bennett College Releases Strategic Statement Setting New Course as an Innovative Microcollege

Excellent local reporting by John Newsom of the Greensboro News & Record, "The Syllabus: A new direction for Bennett College." 

Newsom focuses on a strategic statement announced by the administration and board of Bennett College, "Designing for the Future at Bennett College: A Blueprint for HERstory." The joint statement by Bennett president Suzanne Walsh and board chairwoman Gladys Robinson is intended as a framework for strategic planning. 

One of the fascinating principals Newsom highlights is the commitment to operate as an innovative "micro college," with enrollment of about 200 undergraduate students. As Newsom notes, "Bennett had 233 students enrolled during the fall semester. Its statement suggests that the college's current size is both comfortable and viable."

Newsom concludes the article with a link to an interview by President Walsh earlier this month with Luke Lawal Jr. of HBCU Buzz.

Inside Higher Ed also posted a piece by Rick Seltzer, "Bennett College Outlines New Direction," on March 25, 2021.

A Century of Equestrian Excellence at Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College posted a fascinating historical overview, "100 Years of Equestrian Excellence: Forward thinking, forward riding," on December 22, 2020 by Dana Poleski.

Poleski highlights some of the key college staff like Harriet Howell Rogers, who served as a professor of physical education and the director of riding from 1924 to 1963. She "...recognized how popular riding was with the students and how influential it could be for both academic and personal development."

Rogers was just one of many people working over the years to build and maintain some "...of the best facilities in the nation and a reputation for equestrian excellence and achievement...(that) set the stage for the next 50 years of remarkable competitive and educational accomplishments."

Leadership with a Focus on What Really Matters...Lessons from Dr. Pat McGuire and Trinity Washington University

Patricia McGuire, the president of Trinity Washington University,  was recently featured on the Partnering Leadership podcast talking about how she led the transformation of Trinity, the leadership principles that she has learned, and advice she has for other leaders, as they're looking to lead their organizations through transformation. 

You can also find an interview in a Small College Garden post from roughly a year ago with Kavitha Cardoza on WAMU radio, "The Evolving Legacy Of A Women’s College: Trinity’s Pat McGuire." 

Sweet Briar Featured Positively for Fall Plans

Sweet Briar in Virginia was favorably mentioned in a couple of newspaper articles this past week.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch published "This college is tiny and isolated, and for some students during the pandemic, that sounds perfect" on June 28, 2020 with reporting by Susan Svruluga.

The Lynchburg News & Advance followed on July 4, 2020 with reporting by Jamey Cross in "Sweet Briar College uniquely suited to weather storm, reopen in August." 

Curriculum of Connection...Tools for Talking Across Differences

Dr. Paula Johnson, president of Wellesley, authored an interesting and important article for the Boston Globe on September 6, 2019, "Speaking with the enemy 101."  

Johnson writes about the need for a Curriculum of Connection and describes higher education's role in providing students "...with the tools they need to talk across difference — politics, race, economic class, and the myriad other fault lines of 21st century life. To prepare them to “talk to people back home” — as well as far beyond."

Evolving Legacy of a Women's College: Interview with Dr. Pat McGuire

Dr. Pat McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University provides a fascinating & powerful interview for Kavitha Cardoza on WAMU radio, "The Evolving Legacy Of A Women’s College: Trinity’s Pat McGuire." 

The interview describes a change in mission for Trinity that began after McGuire assumed the presidency in 1989 and the institution's success in continuing to meet the needs of students they serve.

You can also read more of Dr. McGuire's thoughts in a powerful commentary written for The Chronicle of Higher Education Importance of Institutional Diversity: Call for a New Balance of Mission and Metrics.

Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Meade of Cedar Crest College

Interesting interview with Dr. Elizabeth Meade 14th president of Cedar Crest College in Lehigh Valley Business on June 5, 2019 with reporting by Dawn Ouellette Nixon, "Elizabeth Meade, president of Cedar Crest College Leading a generation of women into the future."

President Meade describes Cedar Crest's diversified programs as a strength that provides more stability in revenue.  She also comments that the institution is currently benefiting from the trend toward stronger enrollment at women's colleges. 

Nixon concludes that "...At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, she is leading Cedar Crest and a generation of women into the future."

Cedar Crest College is located in Allentown, PA and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017.   It was founded in 1867 as Allentown Female College. The name changed to Allentown College for Women in 1893 and to Cedar Crest College in 1912. The institution is affiliated with United Church of Christ and current enrollment is 1,664 students.

Dianne Lynch Keeps her Focus on Students at Stephens College

Vox Magazine published an interesting article where Dianne Lynch, president of Stephens College is featured, "As Stephens College president, Dianne Lynch makes her students her 'life's work'."  Lynch has successfully served Stephens for a decade and the institution continues its historic focus on providing opportunities for women.

Reporter Jacob Moscovitch notes that Lynch maintains an open door policy for students and staff.  She also makes it a point to get to know and learn the names of every student. 

Moscovitch also mentions a program that Lynch began soon after she arrived on the campus to fund memorable student experiences, or “Magic Moments” that can happen during an internship, while meeting a professional in the student’s chosen field, or while simply being exposed to a new environment.  

Magic Moments "...funds learning experiences that happen outside of the classroom. Often, it allows students to take opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. One student, who Lynch says had never been out of Missouri, was presented an opportunity in New York City and was able to pursue it because of the program. That student has since moved to the Big Apple."  You can read more in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Beyond Stephens,the Stephens College alumnae magazine, "Magic Moments Opening Doors for Students." 

Overwhelming Support Emerges for Bennett College

The Greensboro (NC) News & Record and their education reporter, John Newsome, are providing excellent coverage of the unfolding situation for Bennett College after the institution learned in late 2018 that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges had voted to take away its accreditation.

"Standing with Bennett: Embattled Greensboro college attracts nationwide attention – and money" was published on January 7, 2019 and Newsome's reporting presents a detailed view of the situation and the overwhelmingly positive and supportive responses from Bennett's many friends, students, and alumni.  The article is accompanied by links to other recent relevant articles and contact information for anyone interesting in providing support.

Faculty and administrators at Bennett have been making significant changes for a number of years and it is evident through Newsome's articles that there is a strong commitment to keep the institution open and continue serving students.

 You can also link back to an earlier Small College Garden post that links to the January 2016 issue of Business North Carolina with reporting by Allison Williams, "Bennett College is Featured...Impressive Changes over the past Decade."

Meredith Woo Makes the Case for Sweet Briar and Investing in Women's Higher Education

Marguerite Joutz of The New York Times interviewed Sweet Briar College president, Meredith Woo, for an article, "Sweet Briar College Almost Closed.  What Will It Take to Thrive?"  President Woo provides a strong case for continued investment in women's higher education and highlights the strengths of Sweet Briar College.

Detailed View of Fundraising for Sweet Briar

The Chronicle of Philanthropy posted an extensive article, "Sweet Briar's $44 Million Rescue Offers Unusual Fundraising Lessons."  Reporter Drew Lindsay interviewed a number of Sweet Briar staff members and others involved in fundraising for the college. He provides a detailed view of successful efforts to support the institution over the past couple of years.  The article was published March 7, 2018.

Three Milwaukee Women are Featured for Higher Education Leadership

The Shepherd Express, Milwaukee's alternative news source, published an article with profiles of women who are leading the city's higher education institutions, "Milwaukee's Three Women Presidents."   Cindy Gnadinger of Carroll University, Andrea Lee of Alverno College, and Christine Pharr of Mount Mary University are the presidents featured by reporter Selena Milewski. 

Milewski begins by noting that that more institutions are turning to women for leadership and that women now serve as presidents for one-third of the nation's colleges and universities.  Each of the presidents provide insights into what drew them to their institutions and the things they are focusing on to insure future success.

A Catholic Women's College Thrives by Refocusing on Mission

Maryanne Stevens, president of the College of Saint Mary in Omaha was featured this month at Faith & Leadership, "Focus on what's core to your mission." Stevens assumed the leadership of a Catholic women's college twenty-one years ago that by all accounts was headed toward closure.  Stevens led her learning community in a remarkable turnaround by refocusing on the institution's mission of serving women, particularly single mothers and immigrants.  

An earlier Small College Garden post from late 2016 coincided with an article in the Omaha World-Herald that recognized Stevens for twenty years of service as president at the College of Saint Mary.

Columbia College Announces New Initiatives

Columbia College in Columbia, SC announces several new initiatives as part of the institution's McNair Center for Entrepreneurism.  Students can now benefit from an Ideas Incubator Space and apply for seed funding to support a start-up or develop a concept.  Participants will have access to a variety of resources and mentoring.

The mission of the McNair Center is to create and sustain an entrepreneurial environment within the College through education, apprenticeships, mentoring, capital access, and development of professional skills among students.  The center started with a generous gift from The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation in July 2015.  

Columbia College was founded in 1854 and provides undergraduate liberal arts programs for women.

Sweet Briar's Next Chapter: Editorial from The Roanoke Times

The Roanoke Times posted an editorial, "Sweet Briar's next chapter," on September 22, 2017 to coincide with the inauguration of Meredith Woo as the institution's 13th president.  The survey of recent events at Sweet Briar provides useful perspective since it is based on a foundation of extensive reporting by the paper.  

The editorial notes that, "Sweet Briar was never in poor financial shape. It was simply poorly run..." and commends former president Phillip Stone and alumni for their efforts.  President Woo is also praised for building on the momentum and concludes, "Here’s the big story: Sweet Briar is doing what many critics think lots of colleges should be doing — cutting administrative costs, cutting tuition and refocusing curriculum to match the modern marketplace."

Passport to the Past: Sweet Briar hosts Explore weekend for Young Women in High School

Lynn Rainville, director of the Tusculum Institute at Sweet Briar College will be leading a "Passport to the Past" weekend on October 6-7, 2017 for high school students.  This program will feature archaeology and joins other "Explore" weekends scheduled throughout the year that focus on engineering, environment, and other topics.

This first Explore Archaeology weekend will begin with basic questions: How does an archaeologist locate sites to excavate? How do architectural historians date a building? How do public historians share information about the lives of people in the past?

Rainville notes that participants will focus on Sweet Briar and that the college's "…3,250 acres of breathtaking beauty and nature also contain a multitude of artifacts, ruins and neo-classical architecture…These features reveal Sweet Briar’s rich, multi-century heritage.”

The Tusculum Institute at Sweet Briar isa historic preservation resource center, dedicated to preserving and studying the region's historic assets within a context of environmental stewardship.  The institute's web pages include links to a wide variety of interesting resources.

For those on Facebook, consider "liking" the Tusculum Institute at Sweet Briar page to access the stream of interesting posts highlighting various activities and resources.

Sweet Briar College Attracts Attention for Curricular and Pricing Changes

Sweet Briar College continues to attract a lot of interest in the press and there were at least three articles this past week as students started the fall semester.  New SBC president, Meredith Woo also announced plans for curricular changes and an initiative designed to reduce tuition and discounting. 

Lawrence Biemiller's "After All but Closing, Sweet Briar Will Shift Curriculum and Pricing," was published by The Chronicle of Higher Education on September 6, 2017.  Diverse Issues in Higher Education also published, "Sweet Briar Preparing for Fresh Start," by Catherine Morris on the same date. 

Lucie Laovsky's "Back From The Brink Sweet Briar College Slashes Tuition--Who's Next?" was published by Forbes on September 7, 2017 and as the headline implies, focuses on tuition and discounting.

An earlier article by Paula C. Squires, "Remaking Sweet Briar," was published by Virginia Business on August 30, 2017 and includes a lengthy interview with President Woo.

Esports added at Stephens College

Dianne Lynch, president of Stephens College in Columbia, MO is featured in an interview discussing the institution's esports team, "Stephens College founds first all women's collegiate esports team."  Pressident Lynch provided a strong rationale for the program and how it fits nicely with Stephens' broader historic mission as a women's institution.  Lauren Magarino intereviewed Lynch and former students in her reporting for KOMU-TV.  

You can visit the Stephens College website for more information on the esport program with links to other media coverage at ESPN and other outlets.