In this episode of "Grow, Grow, Grow," host Bob Atkins discusses the revitalization of small liberal arts colleges with Jeffrey Docking, President of Adrian College, and Kevin Harrington, President of Rize Education. They explore the challenges faced by Adrian University in 2005, including declining enrollment and financial struggles, and the strategies implemented to reverse this trend.

Jeffrey Docking shares the success story of Adrian College, emphasizing the expansion of athletic programs and the introduction of innovative, high-demand academic majors. He highlights the collaboration with Kevin Harrington and Rize Education to develop a platform for sharing centralized curriculum and resources, enabling the rapid and cost-effective launch of new majors in tech-oriented fields.

Kevin Harrington discusses the role of Rize Education in supporting small colleges, focusing on creating majors that align with student interests and job market demands.

The episode wraps up with insights into the positive reception of these changes by faculty and students at Adrian College, showcasing how innovative strategies have led to increased enrollment and improved financial stability.

Listeners gain insights into effective methods for adapting small liberal arts colleges to meet contemporary educational and market needs.

Join Robert Atkins, Sarah Collins from Ad Astra, and David Short from Lamar University as they explore creative pathways to growth in higher education. Dive into a discussion on the power of strategic scheduling, informed by actionable data, as a potent tool for increasing student enrollment and boosting revenue.

Discover how Lamar University’s real-time adjustments during enrollment significantly impacted registration numbers and student retention. Listen as they explore the intricate dance between course availability, enrollment, and demand, and understand how a student-centric approach to scheduling can positively influence student outcomes and financial stability.

Tune in for a compact yet insightful dialogue that challenges traditional paradigms and presents innovative, data-driven strategies for sustained growth in the complex world of higher education.

 In this episode, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, president of Augustana University, and Shannan Nelson, executive vice president and CFO at Augustana, discuss the strategies and initiatives employed by Augustana University to foster growth and innovation in higher education. They discuss various academic programs and ventures that have contributed to the university's expansion, focusing on the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which combines online coursework with in-person clinical experience to provide an efficient and high-quality education. Additionally, they explore integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the curriculum in both computer science and applied AI across disciplines. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, community engagement, and leveraging AI to stay at the forefront of higher education in an evolving landscape.