EUREKA – Eureka College sociology professor William Staudenmeier will present “Transformations in Higher Education” at 7:30 p.m., January 31, in the Cerf Center. A reception will follow.

The free, public presentation will explore the possible choices and futures for small colleges, considering the dramatic changes taking place in the world.

“The future is a time of great uncertainty for higher education in general and small colleges in particular,” Staudenmeier said. “Globalization, open access to knowledge through technology, free online education, the spread of educational reform, the commercialization of higher education and the pressures of rationalization in an inefficient sector are a few of the trends creating this uncertainty,” he said.

Staudenmeier has taught at Eureka College for 25 years. He received a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy, a master’s degree from Webster College and a doctorate from Washington University.

The presentation is the third of four Clarence R. Noe Dean’s Lectures by Eureka College faculty members this academic year. The final lecture will be “How Does Your Harmony Function?” by associate professor of music Pam Bates at 4 p.m. March 7 in the Cerf Center.

For more information, call the Eureka College provost’s office at (309) 467-6301.