{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Small College America","title":"Dr. Michael Sorrell and The Reinvention of Paul Quinn College","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2136,"description":"Kent Barnds: Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in higher education. I'm Kent Barnds, and I’m joined by my co-host, Dean Hoke.Dean Hoke: Our guest today is Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, which has an enrollment of about 650 students. Michael is the longest-serving leader in the institution’s history. Since taking office in 2007, he has led one of higher education’s most remarkable turnarounds—transforming Paul Quinn into a nationally recognized model for innovation, community engagement, and student success. His leadership includes launching the New Urban College Model and converting the campus football field into a thriving urban farm.Michael is a graduate of Oberlin College and Duke University, and his Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, though he often says his most important education has come from listening closely to students and the surrounding Dallas community. He has served as the co-chair for the Aspen Prize and a former trustee for the American Council of EducationMichael is married and has two children.  Michael is known for being remarkably accessible on campus, frequently walking the grounds, checking in with students, and personally mentoring emerging leaders.Michael, a pleasure to have you on Small College America.Kent – Q1: The TurnaroundWhen you became president of Paul Quinn College in 2007, the institution was facing serious challenges. Looking back, what were the first decisions you made that truly changed the trajectory of the college?Was there a moment early on when you realized just how difficult the situation really was?Dean – Q2: Rethinking the Small College ModelPaul Quinn has become nationally known for what you call the “New Urban College Model.” What does that model mean, and why did you believe the traditional approach needed to change?Kent – Q3: The Football Field DecisionOne of your most talked-about decisions was ending...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/znlC7CX69qE7r5pUJE2XJslxrx-kQRnGqXvS0RvbqbM/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kMjAw/ZTk5Nzg4NDA4ODlj/NjI1MzgwOTJjYTY5/MmUzYi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}