Quick Recap - in this episode with Small College America, Kent Barnds, and Dean Hoke sit down with Eric Lindberg of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio, to discuss the role and value of small colleges in US higher education. Eric shares his personal experiences and the Foundation's approach to philanthropic giving. They also explored the importance of leadership teams, agility in responding to social and governmental changes, and the complexities of college mergers.

Introduction - Our guest is Eric Lindberg Chief Investment Officer and Trustee of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. Eric brings over 25 years of leadership experience in global private equity, including roles at The Blackstone Group, Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, and Lion Capital. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Denison University and Augustana College and has contributed his expertise to numerous philanthropic boards. Eric holds a BA from Denison University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Questions:

1.  As a graduate and trustee of Denison University, what led you to choose Denison, and how did your experience there influence your career path?"
2. The Foundation appears to have a strategic focus on supporting private, small colleges, particularly in Ohio. Could you share more about the foundation’s mission and its impact on higher education?
3.  How do you measure the effectiveness of philanthropy in higher education? In your view, what does 'effective' philanthropy look like?
4.  Many institutions rely on traditional reactive giving without performance metrics. Do you think this model is still viable, or should philanthropy evolve to include more accountability and performance-based outcomes?
5.  With many small colleges facing financial challenges, what do you believe is the most ethical and responsible approach to philanthropy? Do you see mergers as a feasible solution for struggling institutions?
6.  The regulatory environment and societal values are constantly evolving, especially in Washington. How should education philanthropists adapt to these changes while staying true to their mission?

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If you’d like to learn more about the series, visit our website at www.smallcollegeamerica.transistor.fm/, where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and even suggest topics you’d like us to cover. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. For Small College America, this is Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Augustana College and Dean Hoke Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute, thank you for joining us.