Overview
Macalester College, established in 1874, is a private, not-for-profit liberal arts college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Known for its commitment to internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society, it aims to prepare students for success in a globally connected world by providing a personalized educational experience within a close-knit community. The college's strategic location in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area offers students unique opportunities for community-based learning and real-world experiences. As a top liberal arts college in the U.S., Macalester holds a strong reputation in academic excellence, recognized by numerous rankings.
Academic Excellence
Macalester offers a comprehensive and challenging liberal arts curriculum with over 800 courses per year, taught by nationally recognized faculty. The institution places high importance on academic rigor, producing graduates with a robust foundation across various academic disciplines. The average class size is 17 students, fostering a more personalized and interactive educational experience. In 2023, 94% of the graduating class participated in volunteer work, academic community-based learning, or applied research, highlighting the college's emphasis on practical engagement.
Leadership
President
- Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera: President, known for social justice commitment; first female and Latina president with over 25 years in higher education.
Senior Leadership Team
- Jeff Allen: Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid, strategic admissions policies expert.
- Lisa Anderson-Levy: Executive Vice President and Provost, centers on student experience enhancement.
- Kathryn Kay Coquemont: Vice President for Student Affairs, advocates for student equity and inclusion.
- Joanna Curtis: Vice President for Advancement, utilizes data-driven strategies.
- Jennifer Haas: Vice President for ITS & Chief Information Officer, recognized technology leader.
- Tom Halverson: Dean of the Faculty, oversees academic personnel and policy.
- Patricia Langer: Vice President for Administration and Finance, manages financial operations.
- Paul Overvoorde: Associate Provost, focuses on biochemistry and educational initiatives.
Community Engagement
Macalester's urban location enhances its students' educational journey by integrating real-world experiences and community engagement into its curriculum. Emphasizing social responsibility, the college encourages students to participate actively in community-based learning projects throughout the Twin Cities.
Student Demographics and Engagement
With a diverse student body from all 50 states and 95 countries, Macalester's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its policies ensuring a supportive academic setting.
Contact and Further Information
- Address: 1600 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105-1899, USA
- Phone: 651-696-6000
- President's Contact: Weyerhaeuser 208, 651-696-6207, president@macalester.edu
Competitor Profiling
Key Competitors
Macalester College competes with several institutions in the liberal arts sector, maintaining a prominent position through its educational excellence and unique propositions.
Direct Competitors
1. Carleton College
- Location: Northfield, Minnesota
- Known for: Academic rigor and high-quality undergraduate teaching
- Offers: 33 majors, 40 minors, student/faculty ratio: 8:1
2. Swarthmore College
- Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
- Noted for: Unique Honors Program and student research emphasis
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 8:1
3. Bates College
- Location: Lewiston, Maine
- Known for: Inclusive education and comprehensive financial aid
- Features: Robust liberal arts education, student/faculty ratio: 10:1
4. Colgate University
- Known for: Undergraduate research and global perspectives
5. Clark University
- Known for: Research-driven learning and accelerated BA/MA programs
Indirect Competitors
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities: Research-focused environment
- Northwestern University: Comprehensive research opportunities
- Harvard University: Benchmark for academic excellence
Competitive Advantages of Macalester College
- Diverse Student Body: Focus on multicultural and inclusive environment
- Global Integration: Emphasis on internationalism in the curriculum
- Urban Location: Access to numerous cultural and professional opportunities in Saint Paul, MN
Online Presence and Visibility
Macalester's presence on educational comparison platforms emphasizes its competitiveness among liberal arts colleges. These platforms highlight Macalester as a strong candidate alongside leading counterparts.
Macalester College is a distinguished institution fostering academic excellence and dedication to global citizenship, positioning it as a pivotal player in educating future leaders prepared for complex global challenges.
