For Some Small Colleges, The Pandemic Could Sadly Be Their Savior

There's been no shortage of suggestions for how to save the many small colleges that dot the landscape, especially in New England. Susan Dynarski, a well-respected professor who regularly comments insightfully on issues in higher education, suggested that perhaps the only places where COVID safety and education can coexist are rural small college campuses. The author can attest to their ability, with innovative thinking and bold leadership, to respond to COVID and offer in-person education. In this article, the author describes concrete ways small campuses can operate effectively and safely and with deep change. For those of who care about education, small colleges and student success, the pandemic may be the needed opening for enabling these institutions to remain a part of the educational landscape.