Small College America

Kent Barnds: 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.

Dean Hoke: Kristen Soares is the fourth president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), representing more than 85 nonprofit institutions dedicated to the public good. As president, she works with leaders across the state to shape higher education policy and serves as the sector’s chief spokesperson. Under her leadership, AICCU partnered with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to implement the Associate Degree for Transfer pathway, expanding opportunities and improving access for transfer students.

Soares plays a prominent role in statewide and national higher education leadership, serving as a member of the California Education Round Table, the Governor’s Council for Career Education, and the NAICU State Executives Council. She previously spent nearly 25 years at the University of Southern California (USC), where her career in higher education began with a federal Work-Study job, one she credits with landing her in the university’s senior administration and setting her on a lifelong path in higher-ed leadership. During her tenure, she led government and civic engagement efforts across California and Washington, D.C. 

Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from USC. Kristen, we’re delighted to have you with us on Small College America.

 

Kent - Q1:  Kristen, for those who may not be familiar, could you start by telling us about the role of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) and how it supports its member institutions? What is AICCU’s top legislative priority this session?

Dean – Q2: California has one of the most complex and influential higher education ecosystems in the country, with the University of California (UC) system, the California State University (CSU) system, and the independent sector each serving distinct missions. How does AICCU advocate for independent colleges within this landscape, and what opportunities or challenges arise in coordinating with state agencies and legislators?

Kent – Q3: Many small colleges are rethinking their academic portfolios to meet changing student and workforce demands. What innovations or program models are you seeing that balance tradition with transformation—without losing institutional identity?

Dean – Q4:  With rising concerns about college affordability and ROI, how should small private colleges articulate their value proposition to skeptical families? What alternative business models or revenue streams show the most promise for achieving long-term financial sustainability?

Kent – Q5: Higher education has faced increased political scrutiny nationwide. How do you advise independent college leaders to communicate their value and relevance to the public and policymakers in today’s polarized climate?

Dean – Q6: Kristen, after you looked into your crystal ball, before meeting with the leaders of over 85 nonprofit institutions from AICCU, what's the most important piece or pieces of advice you'd offer them about the future?

Kent: Kristen, thank you for joining us and for sharing your insight into California’s independent higher education community and the issues shaping small colleges nationwide.

For those listening or viewing, if you'd like to learn more about Small College America, go to our web page at www.smallcollegeamerica.net, 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 Edu Alliance Group — a higher education consulting firm that champions small colleges and the communities they serve.

On behalf of our guest, Kristen Soares, my co-host Dean Hoke, and myself, thank you for joining us.