Texas, thanks for that thoughtful reply. Wasn't aware of the new AD - it's encouraging to hear that there's a good sports/academic balance.
My kid is looking at HA schools but he's a ballplayer and wants to play at the highest level possible. Davidson is really intriguing from that perspective.
It's one of two schools in the South he's looking at - the rest are northern schools (our deal is he has to live outside of the Cali bubble for four years). Fortunately he is an eager and pretty accomplished fly fisherman so that's a point in favor of more rural environments. Will keep the board updated and thanks again for your response.