By design, most private liberal arts colleges are nestled in rural areas or small towns. In the 19th century, affordable land, minimal distractions, and a reverence for nature inspired many church-affiliated institutions—like Albion College, founded in 1848—to plant their roots in such settings.
For nearly two centuries, Albion College and its namesake town in Michigan—established just seven years later—have evolved together through shifting economies and eras. As deindustrialization and changes in auto manufacturing impacted the town, Albion alumni stepped up, investing in the downtown and sparking a wave of revitalization.
Services Provided
The Solution
Showcasing Albion as a Uniquely Unified Environment
Following two days on campus meeting with students and staff, exploring the environment, and observing the visit program, our enrollment campus visit consulting team surfaced a key insight: Albion offers more than just a traditional campus experience. It offers a deeply connected, town-and-gown lifestyle that’s both distinctive and authentic.
Albion’s campus, with its walkable layout, historical architecture, and meaningful traditions, reflects the classic liberal arts experience. But prospective students today are often drawn to more vibrant, urban settings—and may quickly dismiss a small-town college as too limited.
Yet, Albion students see it differently. They rave about the local restaurants, coffee shops, and community spaces that make the town feel like an extension of campus life. To them, the college and the town aren’t separate entities—they’re parts of a seamless whole.
To help prospective students see what current students already know, we recommended a series of enhancements:
- Reimagined Visit Route: Incorporating town landmarks and touchpoints that reflect student life beyond campus.
- Campus Upkeep: Small but strategic improvements to beautify the environment and enhance first impressions.
- Bonta Admission Center Upgrades: Including signage, storytelling tools, and, most notably, a striking floor-to-ceiling map of Albion College and the surrounding town.
This map quickly became a centerpiece of the visit experience. Admission ambassadors use it to set the stage, guide conversations, and invite families to explore the broader community. It’s not just a reference point—it’s a storytelling tool that brings the Albion experience to life.
Additionally, new investments in ambassador training ensured that each visit felt personalized and relevant. With deeper insights and new tools, ambassadors now create connections that go beyond academics, helping visitors see how a close-knit, integrated community can be the perfect fit.
Before and after their campus tour, prospective students and families enjoy a bright, inviting seating area.
A floor-to-ceiling campus map allows guides to set expectations of the route.
The campus map integrates downtown Albion, as it is a large part of the community.
An updated admission office is welcoming, designed specifically for prospective families.
The Results
With these changes, Albion College has elevated its campus visit into a powerful, immersive experience. By intentionally integrating the town into every stage of the visit, the college reshaped perceptions—transforming the idea of a “small college in a small town” into a story of community, vibrancy, and belonging.
“I certainly appreciate all you’ve done for us!”
Mandy Dubiel
Vice President for Enrollment Management
