Old Main: Small Colleges in Twenty-First Century America
This is not a conventional study of small colleges... In the tradition of a true liberal arts scholar, he invites thoughtful dialogue, challenges academic tradition, and persuades readers to explore alternatives.(Hancock Record)Interesting reading. The extensive information Schuman provides gives us a picture of contemporary American small colleges.(Peter A. LamalJournal of Higher Education)Researchers, faculty, and administrators interested in small colleges will find suggestions for further research and discussion about the many challenges that small colleges face today.(Lois Calian TrautvetterReview of Higher Education)An important book for small-college people... Paints a rich picture of the exceptional things small colleges can do.(Charles BlaichAcademe)Schuman is an ardent proponent of small colleges, and his devotion and passion are apparent in every chapter of this work. The work is also brilliantly written and thoroughly convincing. After reading this work, the reader will possess a new found appreciation for these institutions of higher education and an understanding of their vital role.(Matthew ChurchEducation Review)Once the envy of the world, American undergraduate education at the beginning of the twenty-first century is in a state of crisis. Anyone seeking solutions to its problems will want to readOld Main. Schuman offers convincing evidence that small colleges really are different—and the difference is good for students.(Richard Trollinger, Centre College)A wonderful integration of rich knowledge with thoughtful and perceptive analysis. I also appreciated the interweaving of vignettes and portraits, which seemed to me to add a nice layer of humanity.(Carol Schneider, President of the American Association of Colleges and Universities)A significant piece of work, extremely well-written and solidly based on data and evidence.(James M. Clark, President Emeritus, SUNY Cortland)Many people—well beyond those that are affiliated with small colleges—will find [Old Main] of great interest.(Richard Ekman, President of the Council of Independent Colleges)Schuman's method is impeccable and true to the small college experience that eludes description by statistics and generalities alone...Old Mainshould become the text of choice for orienting new administrative staff and faculty in small colleges.(Ann Raia, College of New Rochelle)