Evaluating the effect an anchor institution can have on a small shrinking city : a case study of Albion College and Albion, MI

Abstract

This thesis examines the efforts of Albion College, a small liberal arts college, to revitalize Albion, MI, a small, post-industrial city. It evaluates the nature of the college's involvement in light of a taxonomy developed by Rita Axelroth Hodges and Steve Dubb in their book, The Road Half Traveled: University Engagement at a Crosswords. Using this taxonomy, the thesis evaluates seven key issues and determines that Albion College is primarily acting as a leader on its community engagement efforts. However, on some key issues, the College is acting as a convener, seeking to find and build the capacity of the City and other organizations within the community. Durable anchor institution engagement requires leadership support, involvement of faculty, staff and students, and commitment of alumni. There are signs that Albion College's community engagement is beginning to help revitalize Albion, MI, but additional time is required to determine the impacts and durability of the efforts.