Across the country, the sustainability of small private colleges is threatened by declining enrollment, increased operating costs and reduced fundraising revenue. Paul Smith’s College (PSC) is taking an innovative approach to differentiate itself in this competitive market. A bold strategic plan and team of mission-driven employees has PSC positioned for a promising future. The college is looking to proactively support employee’s wellbeing through this period of change by focusing on building community. This project, Building Community at PSC, uses evidence-based positive psychology practices to systematically rebuild the sense of community, value, and purpose among faculty, staff and leadership. After completing a baseline employee assessment, a World Café event will engage staff in describing what PSC looks like at its best. This process will help PSC articulate a concise set of values that create pride and a shared identify by answering the question, “What makes a Smitty a Smitty?” Building Community at PSC provides a road map for an ongoing culture change journey while also providing some immediate “quick win” through gratitude traditions. Keywords: Belonging, mattering, higher education, culture