Small College America

“Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Kent Barnds, and I’m joined by my co-host, Dean Hoke.  

Today, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Gary Daynes, Interim President of Salem Academy and College, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With a career devoted to leadership in small colleges, Gary has guided institutions through transformation and written extensively on higher education.  Gary holds a PhD in American History from the University of Delaware. He is also the author of a new book, How to Be a Small College, a timely guide on how institutions like Salem can thrive by embracing distinctiveness, focus, and community.” 

Question 1:  Salem’s Background and Gary’s Journey
"Let’s start with some background. For those who may not know, can you tell us about Salem Academy and College, its history, and its unique place in the Winston-Salem community?”
Follow-up: “You’ve led and advised several small colleges over your career. What made you decide to step into the interim presidency at Salem at this particular moment?”

Question 2: Tradition and Transformation
"Salem is the nation's oldest women's college and has deep Moravian roots. How do you balance honoring that historic mission—including your identity as a women's college—while also positioning Salem for the future? And how does that women's college identity factor into current enrollment and positioning discussions?"

Question 3: The Book: How to Be a Small College
“You’ve just released a new book, How to Be a Small College. What motivated you to write it, and what central message do you most hope leaders, faculty, and students will take away?”

Question 4: Distinctiveness and the Student Experience
"In the book, you argue that small colleges shouldn't try to mimic large universities but should embrace their distinctiveness. Can you give an example of a college, perhaps Salem or another, that has done this well?"

Question 5: Partnerships and Community Engagement
"Winston-Salem has a rich higher education landscape with Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State, and other institutions. I understand Salem has developed partnerships with some of these colleges. How are these collaborations currently benefiting Salem, and what role do you see partnerships and community engagement playing in Salem's strategic future?"

Question 6: The Small College Challenge
"Looking ahead five years, what gives you the most hope for the future of small colleges in America?"

Gary, thank you for being with us today. For those listening, if you'd like to learn more about Small College America, go to our LinkedIn site, where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover." This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Perspective Data Science, a firm specializing in AI-powered tools and data solutions, including the Financial Compass platform.  On behalf of our guest, Gary Daynes, my co-host Dean Hoke, and I, thank you for listening.