Alison Byerly, President, Carleton College

In an interview with Invest:, Alison Byerly, president of Carleton College, discussed key milestones, initiatives, challenges, and meeting the demands of an evolving job market. “We continuously assess where emerging disciplines and cross-disciplinary fields need to be integrated into our curriculum,” she said.

Reflecting on the past year, what have been some of the key milestones or major highlights for Carleton College?

This is an exciting time for us. We’ve just completed a strategic planning process that has set some ambitious goals for the college. One of our priorities is continuing to build a student body that is both broad and diverse, representing a wide range of backgrounds. Unlike some other colleges, we draw students from across the nation and around the world. While we certainly have a strong presence of Minnesota students, they are not the dominant group on campus. We’re always looking for ways to increase awareness of Carleton in different regions and seeking resources to support the generous financial aid we provide to students.

One of our key initiatives at the moment involves sustainability. We’ve been a leader in operational sustainability on college campuses—Carleton was the first college in the United States to install a utility-grade wind turbine (in 2004, adding a second in 2011)—and we now have a system of geothermal wells that efficiently and sustainably provide energy for our campus at a low cost. This is part of a broader initiative called Sustainable Futures, a major commitment by the college to reduce our carbon footprint while also preparing the next generation of environmental leaders.

What is in the pipeline for the near term that you are particularly excited about?

We’ve been making significant investments both in student health and wellness and in the residential experience. Last year, we launched a free, 24/7 virtual care service for our students to supplement the robust on-campus mental and physical health services we offer. We’re now in the final stages of completing a student health and counseling center — a large facility that will consolidate many of the support services we offer. We’re also constructing smaller townhouses in multiple areas on campus that are designed for more independent student living. 

All of these buildings are constructed to high environmental standards. The student residences we built last summer on the edge of campus meet the highest Passive House standards, which are typically seen in private homes rather than residential campus buildings. These facilities are completely carbon-neutral, featuring solar panels and highly efficient, sustainable designs. There has been significant interest from others coming to observe these buildings as a model for sustainability.

What strategies or initiatives do you use to increase both national and international interest in Carleton?

Minnesota has a diverse range of colleges and universities, each serving different audiences and needs. Carleton, being a liberal arts college, offers a broad curriculum, which is appealing to many students seeking a well-rounded education.

Carleton has long been recognized as a strong academic institution. If you look at national rankings like U.S. News & World Report, we consistently rank in the Top 10 among liberal arts colleges. That reputation helps attract students who are looking for a rigorous, intellectually engaging experience. Our students tend to be deeply passionate about learning, and they also appreciate Carleton’s setting — a beautiful, charming small town with a friendly and welcoming community.

We sometimes describe ourselves as “elite but not elitist,” similar to some of the great East Coast colleges but with a friendlier atmosphere. That balance makes us an attractive option for students from all over.

How do you view the higher education landscape in Minnesota?

One of the biggest challenges in higher education today is affordability. Many students and families are understandably concerned about the cost of college and whether the investment is worthwhile. This is why financial aid is a major priority for us at Carleton. Currently, 56% of our students receive financial aid, meaning more than half of our students do not pay full tuition. Carleton has a longstanding commitment to supporting middle-income students—with 30% of students in each class coming from middle-income families. 

Beyond financial concerns, institutions are grappling with how to maintain high-quality education while managing costs. Some colleges are addressing this by offering more online or non-residential programs. However, Carleton is a fully residential campus — virtually all of our students live on campus for all four years — so our focus remains on providing an immersive, in-person educational experience.

What is — or should be — the value proposition of higher education today?

Given how rapidly technology and industries evolve, students need to be adaptable and lifelong learners. Many jobs that existed 10 or 20 years ago no longer exist today, and new fields are constantly emerging.

At a liberal arts college like Carleton, we emphasize broad analytical thinking and highly transferable skills. Our goal is not just to prepare students for their first job after graduation, but to equip them with the ability to learn, adapt, and excel in a variety of fields over time. Many of our alumni are working in industries they never anticipated when they majored in biology, English, or computer science, but they credit their Carleton education with giving them the skills to navigate diverse career paths.

Beyond academics, we also focus on critical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Employers frequently tell us that they value candidates who can collaborate effectively with diverse teams, think critically, and adapt quickly. The residential college experience helps develop these qualities, and that’s a major part of the value of higher education.

How does Carleton keep its curriculum up to date to meet the demands of a fast-changing job market?

One of our key strategic initiatives is expanding interdisciplinary studies. We continuously assess where emerging disciplines and cross-disciplinary fields need to be integrated into our curriculum.

We recently held a retreat for our board of trustees and faculty in Boston, where we brought in experts from MIT, Harvard, Boston University, and Tufts to discuss trends in biomedical research, environmental studies, and other fields. These discussions help us stay at the forefront of academic innovation and ensure that we’re providing students with the most relevant and forward-thinking education.

We’re incredibly proud of our location in Northfield. It’s a vibrant and charming town, and we love the balance of being part of a tight-knit local community while also being close to the Twin Cities. It’s the best of both worlds, and we couldn’t be happier to be in Minnesota.