This perceptive and cogent account draws on key data and firsthand observations to tell the story of the small college in America. Defined as institutions that enroll between 500 and 3,000 full-time students, small colleges number about six hundred in the United States. Many are thriving, while some―whether through low enrollment, ballooning debt, or simple misfortune―face uncertain futures. Informed by his own experiences as a teacher and administrator, Samuel Schuman sketches the history and development of these institutions; then focuses on their current conditions and future possibilities. Administrators, faculty, and researchers will appreciate Schuman's insight into institutional choices and their consequences. Old Main is an essential book for anyone who shares Schuman's conviction that small colleges occupy a central place in American higher education. 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. Lamal, Journal 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 Trautvetter, Review of Higher Education An important book for small-college people . . . Paints a rich picture of the exceptional things small colleges can do. ―Charles Blaich, Academe 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 Church, Education 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 read Old 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 Main should become the text of choice for orienting new administrative staff and faculty in small colleges. ―Ann Raia, College of New Rochelle Schuman's method is impeccable and true to the small college experience that eludes description by statistics and generalities alone. . . Old Main should become the text of choice for orienting new administrative staff and faculty in small colleges. -- Ann Raia This original account draws on key data and firsthand observations to tell the story of the small college in America. Defined as institutions that enroll between 500 and 3,000 full-time students, small colleges number about six hundred in the United States. Many are thriving, while some--whether through low enrollment, ballooning debt, or simple misfortune--face uncertain futures. Informed by his own experiences as a teacher and administrator, Samuel Schuman sketches the history and development of these institutions and then focuses on their current conditions and future possibilities. 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.-- Education Review An important book . . . Paints a rich picture of the exceptional things small colleges can do.-- Academe 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.-- Review of Higher Education Interesting reading. The extensive information Schuman provides gives us a picture of contemporary American small colleges.-- Journal of Higher Education Samuel Schuman is Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Minnesota, Morris. He is the author of Cyril Tourneur: A Reference Guide , The Theatre of Fin