Three small private colleges are examined during periods of growth, decline, and revitalization and why these events may have occurred are analyzed. The case studies occurred at three Carnegie category II colleges. (Author/MLW)

The experiences of presidents of small colleges in their role as crisis manager are discussed. Attention is directed to: problems confronting the presidents of threatened colleges; presidential actions necessary for institutional renewal; the personal characteristics of the successful crisis manager/president; and how presidential behaviors…

A case study of an anonymous college that experienced the threat of failure but managed to revitalize its operation is presented. Participant observation, interviews, and document review were used in the study that focused on the period just prior to closing and the period since its reopening. (MLW)