Remembering Loren Pope

The higher education community was saddened when Loren Pope passed away earlier this fall. However, his service, books, and message still resonates with many looking for a “good fit” college experience over a brand name/elite university.

Loren Pope was best known for his book, Colleges That Change Lives. The book was published in 1996 and it highlights forty colleges that provide stellar educations for their students. Most of the schools are small (under 2,000 undergraduates) and are not brand name institutions. When I first heard of the book, I was in college. By the time it was gaining notoriety in 2000, I was in my higher education administration program at the University of Maryland and had the experience of being at a much bigger school than my alma mater, Elmira College (NY). I was intrigued with his affinity to smaller, intimate, and in some cases, remote schools. Mostly, I was pleased that someone was highlighting the key advantages of the smaller schools over the bigger brand name schools that are perpetuated in the media.

Now that I’m ten years out of college and with several years of experience helping students navigate the college admission search, I am compelled to pick-up Mr. Pope’s book again during this holiday season. One of the things I’m grateful for in my life is having the small liberal arts experience in my back pocket and everything it gave me (and still gives).

This will be a challenging admission/financial aid season for colleges, parents, and students. I will not forget the writings of Loren Pope during these adverse times and will encourage my students to be cognizant of Loren Pope’s message as their enrollment intentions come to fruition.

Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC