President’s Speaker Series Highlights Classical Education

March 25, 2026 - 01:59

The value of an education that looks beyond job training to the cultivation of wisdom was the central theme of a recent university speaker series. Jeremy Wayne Tate, founder of the Classical Learning Test, engaged in a public conversation with President Jim Gash, discussing how academia holds the power to shape students' character and worldview.

During the event, Tate championed a return to academic rigor deeply rooted in the pursuit of truth and moral foundation. He argued that education's highest aim is not merely career preparation but the development of virtuous individuals capable of critical thought and ethical leadership. This model, often termed classical education, emphasizes the great books, logical reasoning, and the integration of faith with learning.

The discussion highlighted a growing movement seeking to reorient educational focus toward timeless questions about humanity, justice, and purpose. Tate encouraged students to embrace challenging curricula that foster a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it. The event served as a platform for advocating an educational philosophy that prepares graduates not just for a living, but for a thoughtfully examined life.