(July 17, 2012)

Centenary President joins roundtable exploring college affordability

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary President David Rowe traveled to Sewanee, Tennessee July 15-16 to participate in the Sewanee Summit Roundtable. The invitation-only group examined revenue models that liberal arts colleges currently use and is working to guide the national conversation by suggesting alternatives for improving college affordability through increased revenue sustainability.

"The financial models that saw small colleges through the 20th century are proving unsustainable in the 21st even for elite institutions with seemingly ample resources," observed Rowe. "Funding sources are shrinking, from state and federal support, to investment income to the family dollar dedicated to a child's education. Reducing costs is a necessary part of sustaining colleges financially, but that must be coupled with creating new, robust revenue streams."

Joining Dr. Rowe in the discussion will be leaders from colleges across the South: Spelman and Agnes Scott Colleges in Georgia; Rhodes College and Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee; Center College in Kentucky; Davidson College in North Carolina; and Wofford College in South Carolina.

Dr. Rowe, who sees cooperative ventures as crucial to sustaining liberal education financially, also serves as co-chair of the New Financial Models committee of the Associated Colleges of the South along with the Summit Roundtable convener Dr. John McCardell Vice Chancellor and President of Sewanee.