Monthly Archive for March, 2011

If Ken hadn’t visited Skidmore during his college search, his life would be pretty different. The Scituate, Mass., native admits he was mostly undecided about which colleges he wanted to attend. So he visited as many as he could, 10 or more. When he took the Skidmore tour, he says, “I felt comfortable. It just felt right walking around campus. And it was the first time that had happened.” Ken applied to Skidmore early decision and was accepted.

Sixteen years later, the American Studies major is still here, as an Associate Director of Admissions. Not only that, but his wife is a 1999 Skidmore grad. Says Ken, “My friends used to tease me that I’d never left college, but honestly, I’ve hardly ever had a bad day here. And the quality of life is tremendous.”

Hired in 2002 after two years as a part-time graduate interviewer (he earned his Master’s in History at SUNY Albany during this time, thinking he would become a teacher), Ken has visited 15 states and 17 countries telling prospective students and families about the Skidmore experience. He’s looking forward to potentially going to Latin America this fall for the first time.

So what’s Ken’s pitch when prospective students ask, “Why Skidmore?” Says Ken, “Location, size, and program. Saratoga Springs is a great college town if you don’t want a major urban area but still want a lively, interesting environment. Our 2,500- student population is slightly bigger than many of our peers, which really worked for me. Not too small or too big. And the unique mix of pre-professional majors like business and pre-med along with the arts at a liberal arts school really stands out.” Ken also thinks Skidmore is a “healthy place” both in terms of the dining hall food and the overall attitude, which he describes as “serious but not cut-throat.” Adds Ken, “Skidmore students on the whole are laid back but they are hardly goofing off. It’s a truly balanced existence. People are happy here.”

Other major plusses, according to Ken, are the opportunities for science research which some visitors are surprised by and come to understand as better in some ways than those at universities. The fact that Skidmore offers daily science tours is also unusual, he says. And finally, Ken points to the College’s growing global climate, with students from 48 countries and 60% of students studying abroad at some point during their four years. “International literacy is really important these days, and Skidmore offers that.”

If you want to contact Ken, his email is kdunbar@skidmore.edu.