How Program Growth and Innovation has Increased Student Success at Adrian College with President Docking

Small colleges across the United States face mounting pressure from shifting student expectations, rising costs, and an increasingly competitive higher education market. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment rose 3.5 percent in spring 2025 compared to the prior year, reaching 15.3 million students, but still remains 2.4 percent below pre-pandemic levels. This modest rebound underscores the urgency for institutions to adapt their models for long-term sustainability, with program growth and innovation emerging as a critical strategy for attracting and retaining students.

How can small colleges expand academic offerings quickly and cost-effectively, while maintaining the personal attention that defines their value?

In this episode of DisruptED, guest host Darin Francis speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Docking, President of Adrian College, about how consortium-based program sharing and targeted program growth have transformed the school’s enrollment and retention strategies. From launching more than 30 new majors to integrating project-based learning, Docking explains how aligning offerings with student and industry needs is reshaping the college experience.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Shifting from athletics to academic growth: Adrian College expanded beyond sports recruitment by adding high-demand majors through consortium partnerships, responding directly to student feedback.

• Reducing startup costs with program sharing: Through the RIZE platform, the college offers majors from partner institutions for a fraction of the cost of building programs internally, while preserving small class sizes.

• Industry-aligned curriculum and project-based learning: Programs are co-designed with academic experts and industry leaders, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with practical, job-ready skills.

Dr. Jeffrey Docking has served as President of Adrian College since 2005, leading a period of significant growth and innovation in academic programming. He has over 35 years of experience in higher education and is a national advocate for small college sustainability. Docking holds advanced degrees in higher education administration and is recognized for pioneering collaborative models that expand student opportunities while maintaining institutional efficiency.