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I love academia. I relish being on a college campus and revel in learning. Education gives students resources that will endure throughout their life. Aristotle once said that education is an "ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity."
Utah is home to many fine universities, some better known than others. One that might not be as well known is Cedar City-based George Wythe University. Shannon Brooks, president of George Wythe, tells me the university is designed to provide a liberal arts education—a model that has become almost a thing of the past, but the concept is to become a great human being rather than get an education only to secure employment.
George Wythe University offers a bachelor's degree in social leadership and statesmanship. This degree focuses on building character and virtue as well as developing workplace skills like problem solving, diplomacy and decisive leadership. The university also offers master's degrees in education, political economy and business leadership and a doctorate program in constitutional law. In addition to an in-depth study of world constitutions, the program focuses on studying the laws and principles that govern anything from solid relationships to sound finance and influential businesses.
Shannon says George Wythe University started out as George Wythe College in 1992. The founders were still in college and studied leadership programs available around the world but they couldn't find what they felt would offer a specific high-caliber level of leadership training. They formed a college, that later became a university, dedicated to teaching such leadership skills.
Shannon estimates the student body at George Wythe University to be about 250 with on-campus, extension and distance students. He feels it has great potential to create positive changes and hopes to see it eventually expand into satellite campuses around the globe.
