Tag: College

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Small College America – Profile: Gettysburg College

March 10, 2025, by Dean Hoke: This profile of Gettysburg College is the fifth in a series presenting small colleges throughout the United States.

Background

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a private liberal arts institution located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The 225-acre campus is steeped in history, having served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg​. An alumnus (David Wills, Class of 1851) invited President Abraham Lincoln to deliver the Gettysburg Address in 1863, tying the college to this pivotal moment in American history​. Gettysburg’s historical significance (from its Civil War connections to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s post-presidency involvement on its Board of Trustees) contributes to its distinctive identity.​

The college is known for its rigorous academics, close faculty-student mentorship, and emphasis on leadership development. Gettysburg maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized instruction. It enrolls approximately 2,200 students from across the country and abroad, fostering a diverse and engaged learning community.

Curricula

Gettysburg College offers more than 40 majors and 40 minors, spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Popular programs include Business, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, and Health Sciences. The college is home to the Eisenhower Institute provides students with opportunities to engage in public policy and leadership development, while the Civil War Era Studies minor leverages the college’s historical location for in-depth academic exploration. Five years after graduation (as of Fall 2021), 45 percent of this graduating class had received and/or were enrolled in a graduate/professional degree program five years after graduating from Gettysburg. Graduation rates have remained high. The latest 6-year graduation rate was 83%

Strengths

  • Strong Post-Graduate Outcomes: 98% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within a year of graduation.
  • Experiential Learning: Over 78% of students complete at least one internship, and 55% participate in faculty-mentored research.
  • Leadership Development: Programs such as the Eisenhower Institute provide hands-on training in policy and governance.
  • Historical and Civic Engagement: The college’s proximity to the Gettysburg Battlefield and its Civil War Era Studies program offer students a unique educational experience.

Weaknesses

  • Financial Resources: Gettysburg’s endowment is moderate compared to some peer institutions, affecting the availability of internal funding for scholarships and program expansion.
  • Enrollment Challenges: The college has seen a gradual decline in student enrollment over the past decade, from a peak of over 2,700 students in 2013 to approximately 2,207 in 2024. Gettysburg’s rural location and relatively small town setting may also be a hurdle in recruiting students who prefer an urban environment or a more expansive social scene.
  • Diversity Initiatives: About 21% of undergraduates are domestic students of color, and 14% are international. While improving, the college’s domestic student diversity (21%) lags behind national averages.

Economic Impact

Gettysburg College serves as a major economic engine in its local and regional economy. As one of the largest employers in Adams County, the college provides hundreds of jobs for faculty, administrators, and staff, injecting substantial income into the community through payroll and benefits. The college also attracts thousands of visitors annually for events like Orientation, Family Weekend, Homecoming, and Commencement, as well as academic conferences and cultural events at its facilities (such as the Majestic Theater, a college-owned performing arts center). Also, Gettysburg College’s investment in revitalizing downtown Gettysburg through projects like the Majestic Theater restoration and its support of local internships/service programs help strengthen the social and economic fabric of the area.

Broader economic analyses highlight the significant spillover effects of colleges like Gettysburg. Many graduates remain in or return to Pennsylvania, joining the workforce and paying taxes. (Statewide data from the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of PA suggests that if ~57% of one graduating class stays in Pennsylvania to work, that cohort would add about $1.5 billion to the state economy over their careers.​

Enrollment Trends

As of Fall 2024, Gettysburg College enrolls approximately 2,207 students. Over the past five years, undergraduate enrollment has declined from a peak of 2,500 to 2,200. The shift is attributed to demographic changes and increasing competition among liberal arts colleges. Efforts to stabilize enrollment include enhanced recruitment strategies and expanded financial aid options.

In the Fall of 2022, Gettysburg College launched and began offering classes for its first part-time master’s degree program, the Master of Arts in American History, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This fully online, 30-credit program is designed for K-12 educators, district supervisors, librarians, museum professionals, and National Park Service employees affiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute. It is growing; new graduate programs are in the process of being offered.

Degrees Awarded by Major

In the 2023 graduating class, Gettysburg College conferred degrees across the various disciplines.

Alumni

According to the college, Gettysburg College has an alumni network of over 32,000 graduates. Approximately 25% of alumni reside in Pennsylvania, with a significant concentration in the greater Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia areas. The college’s alumni are well-represented in fields such as business, law, government, education, and the arts. Career services and networking opportunities ensure that graduates remain engaged and professionally supported.

Notable Alumni

  • Michael Bishop (Class of 1957): Nobel Prize-winning biomedical researcher in virology and cancer research.
  • Fred Fielding (Class of 1961): 9/11commissioner and White House Council for President Ronald Regan and  George W. Bush.
  • Carol Bellamy (Class of 1963): Former Executive Director of UNICEF and Peace Corps Director.
  • Bruce S. Gordon (Class of 1968): Former President of the NAACP.
  • Kathryn Wolford (Class of 1979: Former President of the McKnight Foundation and Past President of Lutheran World Relief.
  • Carson Kressley (Class of 1991): Television personality, fashion expert, and actor.

Endowment and Financial Standing

As of 2023, Gettysburg College’s endowment stands at approximately $380–$400 million. While this represents growth over the past five years, the college remains tuition-dependent, with about 80% of its operating budget coming from student fees. Gettysburg College is stable but budget-conscious. Forbes’ 2023 financial health evaluation gave Gettysburg an approximate “B–” grade, with a financial GPA of around 2.71 on a 4.5 scale, indicating that while the college is not financially distressed.

Why is Gettysburg College Important

  • Academic Excellence: The college provides a strong liberal arts foundation with small class sizes and individualized instruction.
  • High Graduate Success Rates: With 98% of graduates employed or in graduate school within a year, Gettysburg’s outcomes are among the best for liberal arts colleges.
  • Leadership Development: Programs such as the Eisenhower Institute and Center for Public Service prepare students for civic engagement and public service careers.
  • Historical Significance and Cultural Impact: Its Civil War connections and Lincoln’s legacy make it a unique institution with a strong civic mission. Also Gettysburg College plays a key role in supporting local businesses, employment, and tourism in Gettysburg and beyond.

With its strong commitment to liberal arts education, leadership development, and historical legacy, Gettysburg College remains a distinguished institution that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

Dean Hoke is Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consultancy, and a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute. He formerly served as President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). With decades of experience in higher education leadership, consulting, and institutional strategy, he brings a wealth of knowledge on small colleges’ challenges and opportunities. Dean, along with Kent Barnds, are co-hosts for the podcast series Small College America. Season two begins on March 11, 2025.

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Small College America – Profile: Hendrix College

February 23, 2025, by Dean Hoke: This profile of Hendrix College is the third in a series presenting small colleges throughout the United States.

Background

Hendrix College, founded in 1876, is a private liberal arts institution located in Conway, Arkansas. Its 175-acre campus has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884 and is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, student engagement, and commitment to innovation. Dr. Karen K. Petersen, the 13th President of Hendrix College, began her tenure in June 2023.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, fostering close interactions between students and the 91 full-time faculty members, 89% of whom hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is $55,080. The average net price, according to the College Board, is $22,626. More than 90% of students live in college-owned housing.

Curricula

Hendrix offers 30 majors and 33 minors, encompassing a wide range of disciplines in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Notable programs include Psychology, Health Science, Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Computer Science, and Economics & Business. A cornerstone of the Hendrix educational experience is the Odyssey Program, which encourages students to engage in hands-on learning through projects, internships, and global experiences, thereby fostering both personal and academic growth.

Strengths

  • Engaged Learning: The Odyssey Program exemplifies Hendrix’s dedication to experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.
  • High Graduation Rate: The four-year graduation rate stands at 67.3%, with 85% of 2022 graduates completing their degrees within four years.
  • Post-Graduation Success: About one-third of graduates pursue advanced studies immediately, with the majority gaining acceptance into graduate or professional programs before graduation.

Weaknesses

  • Cost of Attendance: The total direct cost for the 2025-2026 academic year is $55,080, which may pose a financial challenge for some students. However, Hendrix offers merit scholarships ranging from $13,000 to $24,000 and meets a significant portion of demonstrated financial need.
  • International Enrollment Challenges: Hendrix has less than a handful of international students compared to the 5-6% national average.
  • Limited Graduate Programs: While Hendrix provides a Master of Arts in Accounting, its primary focus is on undergraduate education.

Economic Impact

Situated in Conway, Arkansas, a city with a population of approximately 66,000 and part of the Little Rock metropolitan area, Hendrix College contributes significantly to the local economy. In a report by the Conway city government, they state: “Over 100 years ago, Conway made the strategic decision to pursue institutions of higher learning as a means of growing the Conway economy. That choice has paid countless dividends ever since. As the colleges have grown, so has their economic impact. Perhaps more importantly, over time, they have laid the foundation for Conway’s modern workforce.”

The presence of Hendrix College, the University of Central Arkansas, and Central Baptist College is, without a doubt, the reason Conway has such a remarkably young (median age 27.3) and educated (almost 40 percent with at least a bachelor’s degree) population. Those two qualities stand out nationally as the city competes for jobs in today’s economy. The result is a regional economy that has been recognized as one of the most diverse in the nation. Conway is among the nation’s top 20 percent of fastest growing cities with populations over 50,000.

Enrollment Trends

As of Fall 2023, Hendrix College has enrolled 1,120 students from 39 states and 17 countries. The student population is evenly split between male and female students, and more than 90% reside in college-owned housing, including residence halls, houses, and apartments. Approximately 44% of students are from Arkansas, while 56% come from out of state.

Like many private colleges, Hendrix has experienced a slow, steady enrollment decline of 23% over the past decade

Degrees Awarded by Major

In the 2023-2024 academic year, Hendrix College awarded 227 Bachelor of Arts degrees in 28 different majors and eight Master of Arts degrees in Accounting.

Alumni

LinkedIn data shows that the college has nearly 9,000 alums. 60% live outside of Arkansas, 3,575 reside in Arkansas, 2,600 in the Little Rock Region, and 851 in the Conway area.

Graduation Rates are 67.3% in four years and 68.5% in six years. Approximately 75% of graduates who apply to medical or dental school are accepted, and the law school acceptance rate is 78%.

Notable Alumni:

Dr. Margaret Pittman (Class of 1923): A pioneering bacteriologist, Dr. Pittman was the first woman to lead a National Institutes of Health (NIH) laboratory. Her groundbreaking research on vaccines for diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and whooping cough has had a lasting impact on public health.

Craig Leipold (Class of 1974): A prominent businessman best known as the owner of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild.

Douglas A. Blackmon (Class of 1986): A journalist and author, Blackmon won the Pulitzer Prize for his book “Slavery by Another Name,” which explores the re-enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II.

Trenton Lee Stewart (Class of 1992): An author best known for the “Mysterious Benedict Society” series, Stewart’s work has captivated readers worldwide.

Dr. Arthur Thomason (Class of 1997): Working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center with Barrios Technology, Dr. Thomason is an Extravehicular Activities (a.k.a. space walk) flight controller and instructor for NASA. 

Ashlie Atkinson (Class of 2001): An actress recognized for her work in film, television, and theater, Atkinson has appeared in productions like BlacKkKlansman, The Gilded Age, and Mr. Robot.”

Endowment and Financial Standing

As of June 30, 2024, Hendrix College’s endowment stands at $206 million, bolstered by a successful $150 million fundraising campaign. The campaign, titled A Time to Lead, added $84 million to its endowment. These funds support scholarships, faculty positions, and institutional initiatives.

Hendrix holds a 2.705 rating and a B- grade in the 2023 Forbes financial report.

Why Hendrix Remains Relevant

Hendrix College stands out in the following areas:

  1. Academic Excellence: Known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, Hendrix is frequently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S., reflecting its strong academic programs, student satisfaction, and overall institutional quality.
  2. Odyssey Program: Hendrix stands out for its Odyssey Program, which emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research, service, and global experiences, making education more experiential and practical.
  3. Economic Impact: Located in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix contributes significantly to the local economy through employment, student spending, and cultural enrichment.
  4. Graduate Success: Hendrix has a strong track record of graduate success, underscoring its role in shaping well-rounded individuals equipped for personal and professional achievements. They have graduates who have excelled in various fields, including writing, film/arts, sciences, and business, adding to the institution’s prestige and influence.
  5. Endowment Growth: The college’s stable and growing endowment supports scholarships, faculty development, and campus improvements, ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

With its commitment to liberal arts education, hands-on learning, and student success, Hendrix College remains a vital institution in higher education.

Dean Hoke is Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consultancy, and formerly served as President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). With decades of experience in higher education leadership, consulting, and institutional strategy, he brings a wealth of knowledge on small colleges’ challenges and opportunities. Dean, along with Kent Barnds, are co-hosts for the podcast series Small College America. Season two begins February. 25, 2025