George Wythe University

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George Wythe University
Motto "Building Statesmen"
Established September 1992
Type Private, non-profit, classical liberal arts, unaccredited, nonsectarian[1]
Endowment None[2][3]
President Shane Schulthies
Academic staff 23[citation needed]
Students 150[citation needed]
Location Cedar City, Utah, United States
Website http://www.gw.edu
George Wythe University logo

Coordinates: 37°38′18″N 113°15′00″W / 37.638279°N 113.250053°W / 37.638279; -113.250053 George Wythe University (GWU) is a non-profit classical liberal arts school in Cedar City, Utah which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts, education and political philosophy.[4] GWU's curriculum is centered on the Great Books of the Western World published in 1952 by Britannica and uses discussion-based classes facilitated by mentors.[5] The school focuses primarily on preparing students for leadership and is dedicated specifically to laying an educational foundation for building future statesmen.[6] The school is named in honor of George Wythe, mentor to Thomas Jefferson. GWU is unaccredited but is an applicant for accreditation with the American Academy for Liberal Education.[7]

Contents

[edit] History

George Wythe, the university's namesake

[edit] Beginnings

GWU was founded as George Wythe College (GWC) by Donald N. Sills and Oliver DeMille, who sought to establish a school for the purpose of training statesmen in the way Thomas Jefferson and other signers of the U.S. Constitution were trained by George Wythe, the first law professor in the American colonies.[8] DeMille's inspiration for such an establishment resulted from his own desire for this kind of education after reading the account of Jefferson’s tutelage under Wythe in W. Cleon Skousen’s book, The Making of America, and DeMille’s subsequent relationship with Skousen as his own mentor.[8]

Skousen began by assigning books and writings to DeMille and following up with discussion.[8] An associate of Skousen’s, Donald N. Sills, suggested DeMille could earn a college degree for his work through mentorship and work submission, through Coral Ridge Baptist University (CRBU)[8] a Bible college and seminary that merged with Freedom University. According to DeMille, his studies often consumed over 80 hours per week[9] and set the example for the curriculum he would later implement at George Wythe College.[10]

[edit] Founding

DeMille, Sills, and William H. Doughty organized George Wythe College (GWC) in 1992 as a subsidiary of the Institute for Constitutional Education with Sills as president. The school opened that fall as a Utah branch of CRBU.[10] With 31 students and little funding, the initial weeks of class were held in remodeled garage space at the Meadeau View Lodge in Duck Creek, Utah while awaiting completion of the adjacent conference center.[11] DeMille, Doughty, and (later GWU president) Shanon Brooks served as the three original faculty. A few months after moving to the conference center, heavy snowfall ruptured a gas line underneath the structure, leading to an explosion and fire that left the building unusable.[12] No students were injured, and a new GWC location was found in an office building in nearby Cedar City, Utah.[13] With the initial donors now salvaging their building, the only remaining funding source was tuition itself.[13] This led to a budgetary crisis, leaving DeMille as the sole full-time administrator and faculty member in the school's second year while finishing his studies with CRBU.[13] The hire of part-time instructors from other local colleges helped the fledgling school survive this crisis.[14]

Over the next several years the school awarded bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees across a range of subjects, including Finance,[15] Youth and Family Counseling,[16] History,[17] Near Eastern Studies,[18] Education,[19] and Psychology.[20] In 1997 a steering committee formalized the school’s comprehensive academic program, integrating the methodology, motto and mission into a cohesive liberal arts model which it called the Five Pillars of Statesmanship.[21] In 1999, George Wythe Foundation was created to commence fundraising efforts,[22] and by 2000 the college expanded its faculty and administration to include 13 employees plus support staff.[23]

[edit] Independence and growth

In January 2002, the college became independent from CRBU through a transfer of ownership to George Wythe Foundation.[22] At this time the school realigned its policies and narrowed its degree programs to the four specific degrees that most closely matched its mission, namely: B.A in Statesmanship; M.A. degrees in Political Economy and Education; and a Ph.D in Constitutional Law. This notably reduced the religious emphasis that existed previously.[22]

In the wake of the economic slump that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks, enrollment declined and the school was unable to pay its employees. For several months, many faculty and staff volunteered without pay.[24] To financially recover, the college expanded its programs through extension and seminar courses across the Western U.S., established the GWC Press, created an audio/visual department to generate revenue from recorded lectures (given by DeMille and other faculty members), and pursued a series of corporate speaking contracts.[25]

In 2004 the college held 58 seminars, accepted 12 speaking engagements, and delivered 18 off-campus extension courses. Total enrollment for the Fall 2004 semester was 137 students (campus plus extension courses) and 129 distance students—for a combined student body of 266. Numerous part-time faculty were hired on a semester or annual basis, most of them professors at Southern Utah University, and a few from Brigham Young University, Dixie College and University of Las Vegas.[26]

That same year, GWU held its first fundraising gala and announced plans to acquire a larger facility, resulting in approximately $300,000 in pledges and donations.[26] In January 2005 the school moved to its current location in the Providence Center in Cedar City, Utah.[26]

[edit] Expansion

In 2006 a master plan was presented for reorganizing under a university model with multiple colleges on several campuses.[27] In August 2008 the school announced the designation of "university" status granted by the State of Utah, and the Board decision to formally adopt the change, as it broke ground on its second campus in Monticello, Utah. At this same groundbreaking ceremony it was also announced that the school's leadership would assume new titles under the university model, with head administrator Shanon Brooks being named university president and chief academic Oliver DeMille receiving the title of chancellor.[28] Temporary remote headquarters were set up in a local historical monument known as the Hyland Hotel[29] and classes were held with 19 students.[30] Intentions for a third campus were announced for Alberta, Canada.[31] In February 2009 the school announced plans to offer live online classes. This announcement coincided with the appointment of Andrew Groft as the university’s new president,[32] cancellation of the chancellor model, and a notice that the timeline for the Monticello campus would be modified in response to the global economic crisis. From 2007 through 2010 the board saw an influx of new trustees and by 2009 they began initiating stronger policies. In June 2010, the Board of Trustees appointed Shane Schulthies as University President. By August 2010 all members of the original governing board had resigned and been replaced by new trustees.[citation needed]

[edit] Campus

[edit] Cedar City

GWU's Cedar City campus consists of a single 6,500-square-foot (600 m2) building that contains all classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, including a special collections library for students.[33] Additional mentors and administrative staff work from remote locations. The school currently has a library use agreement with Southern Utah University.[34] GWU also provides internet-enabled workstations on campus, as well as wireless internet access.[34] The school does not provide on-campus housing.

[edit] Monticello

Long-term plans for GW's Monticello campus include 42 acres (170,000 m2) with an adjacent 200-acre (0.81 km2) reserve.[35] Some of the land for the campus was donated to the foundation while some was purchased, totaling 520 total acres.[36] In February 2009, DeMille announced that, in keeping with the original growth design, plans for the Monticello campus would begin with a small campus model in the near future that "will grow beyond this recession."[37]

[edit] Academics

As a classical liberal arts school, curriculum is based on the Great Books of the Western Tradition but with an additional emphasis on developing the attributes necessary for statesmanship. The purpose "is two-fold: 1) to provide a comprehensive, quality liberal arts education, and 2) to train students to be skilled, principled, and effective leaders who will perpetuate the cause of liberty in the twenty-first century."[38] Class sizes are relatively small with as little as a 7:1 student/faculty ratio.[39] Subjects are studied primarily through original sources and include philosophy, history, mathematics, science, literature, political science, political economy and art. Coursework requirements center on extensive reading of and problem solving from the classics in each discipline, writing, simulations, oral and written examinations and practica.[38][40]

To build men and women of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy, and courage who inspire greatness in others and move the cause of liberty.[41]

GWU Mission Statement

GWU uses a liberal arts methodology they refer to as "The Five Pillars of Leadership Education," which, according to the school, follows a pattern of learning that has produced leaders throughout history.[42] This methodology consists of:

  • Classics: GWU uses this term to mean "original works of depth and substance--writing, painting, sculpture, philosophy, music, theory, law, etc.--that engage the student in the great questions of life"[43] and is sometimes used interchangeably with the term Great Books.
  • Mentors: Faculty with topical expertise who lead discussion, offer lectures, and meet with students regularly to offer guidance. Courses are taught seminar style with students discussing texts around a table and the mentor using the Socratic method of asking questions to invite the students to think deeply and reflect about the subject.[44][45]
  • Simulations: Introduced into American education by law professor George Wythe as the moot court. Simulations give students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in a fictional setting and "consist of mock congresses, moot courts, model UN and various other fictional and real scenarios where students take on roles and work individually and in teams to identify and solve problems."[46]
  • Field Experience: A type of internship used to help students implement their learning in real situations. Students are required to perform three field-experiences in order to graduate. Practica must be approved by the Graduation Committee and followed up by a comprehensive written report detailing what was learned. "Field Experience practica may include substantive jobs, internships, volunteer work, etc."[47]
  • God: As a non-denominational institution, students are encouraged to respect the various religious backgrounds of all students and faculty. Mentors refer to religious texts from various cultures and the Judeo-Christian Bible is a notable classic in the curriculum. The main purpose of this pillar is to establish a respect for moral and natural law, and as a counterweight to hubris in leaders.[48]

[edit] Degrees and course credit

GWU currently offers four degrees: B.A. in Statesmanship,[49] M.A. in Political Economy,[50] M.A. in Education,[50] and Ph.D. in Constitutional Law.[51]

Undergraduate degrees require 138 credits. Credits earned in both on-campus and off-campus programs count toward graduation. Online studies use the Elluminate interactive software platform to replicate the on-campus classroom experience. This is supplmemented with individual telephone mentoring.[52] Students are required to perform three field-experiences worth a total of 6 credits."[47] Life-experience credit is not accepted.[53]

[edit] Accreditation

As of May 2011 GWU is not accredited, although administration has provided progress updates during the accreditation process. In September 2006 it completed an application with the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE) for its undergraduate program.[54] AALE made a 4-day site visit to GWU in October 2008,[55][56] and a second site visit in February 2010. GWU is listed on the AALE website as one of its applicants for accreditation.[57] AALE specializes in the accreditation of institutes of higher learning with a liberal arts focus.

[edit] Publications

The official newsletter of George Wythe University, The Statesman, is an online forum where faculty and guest contributors write on topics of scholarly interest,[58][59] current events[60] and general news about university operations and policies. In addition, student research and writings are often featured.[61][62][63][64] "The Statesman" also reports on the post-graduate accomplishments of alumni.[65][66]

[edit] Student life

GWU's on-campus student body consists of 130-150 students with the male/female ratio approximately even. Roughly 1/3 of students are private school graduates, 1/3 from public school and 1/3 homeschooled. The school sponsors several formal dinners, galas, receptions, lectures, balls and special events each year.[39] Student life also incorporates the attractions and surroundings of Cedar City, Utah, including the Utah Summer Games, the Utah Shakespearean Festival and mountain trek experiences.[39]

Students typically rent from private home owners or multi-unit housing developments which offer student housing for both Southern Utah University and GWU students. GWU assists its students in locating scholarships, private funding and grants for education costs.[67] Federal financial aid is not available to students due to the school's accreditation status.

Students participate in a week long competitive team simulation called the Statesmanship Invitational.[68] During this event, students are divided into teams and presented a high-stakes crisis scenario. Roles are assigned and students engage in strategic planning and diplomatic negotiations over the course of several days until an outcome is reached. A day-long debriefing with mentors anchors lessons learned from the simulation.

Every other year, students and faculty travel through Europe for a month, stopping in historic venues for lectures and discussion of classic literature. Optional academic credit is available for submission of related coursework.[69][70]

Leadership Education Uganda conducts teacher training classes in leadership methodologies using students, graduates and associates of George Wythe University. Student research informed the approach of the project.[71] LEU began with one mentor teaching eight teachers in two schools. In less than one year the program grew to include 10 mentors teaching 160 teachers in 8 schools.[72][73][74][75]

[edit] Other programs

GWU hosts one- to three-day Youth for Freedom conferences in the Summer, for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. Youth participate in book discussions, simulations and lectures on topics ranging from study skills to good government and classic literature.[76]

[edit] People

[edit] Faculty

George Wythe University has among its faculty 23 administrators, professors, Mentors, Associate Mentors (graduate students), and adjuncts.[77]

[edit] Alumni

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Brick by Brick Online Order Form". https://gwc.edu/philanthropy/brick_by_brick/forms/donor.php. Retrieved August 2, 2008. "All Proceeds from GWC Brick By Brick benefit the Monticello Campus construction. GWC is a 501(c)3 organization, so all contributions are 100% tax deductible. Thank you for your support of George Wythe College." 
  2. ^ Oliver DeMille (April 20, 2009). "The Tuition Bubble Has Hit". http://www.tjedonline.com/olivers-update.php?id=10. Retrieved April 20, 2009. 
  3. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 1. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 21, 2009. [dead link]
  4. ^ "Academics". George Wythe University. http://www.gw.edu/academics/. Retrieved March 26, 2009. 
  5. ^ "About GWU". George Wythe University. http://www.gw.edu/about/. Retrieved March 26, 2009. 
  6. ^ http://www.gw.edu/
  7. ^ "Accreditation". George Wythe College. http://www.gw.edu/prospective/accreditation.php. Retrieved June 24, 2009. 
  8. ^ a b c d Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 7. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  9. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 8. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  10. ^ a b Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 14. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  11. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 15. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  12. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 17. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  13. ^ a b c Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 18. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  14. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). pp. 20, 21. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved June 16, 2009. [dead link]
  15. ^ "Whitehall Ltd Inc - 8-K - For 9/12/96". http://www.secinfo.com/dUgwf.9c4.htm. Retrieved September 10, 2008. 
  16. ^ "Family Coaching and Consulting". http://www.familycci.com/who_are_we.html. Retrieved September 10, 2008. 
  17. ^ "MASTER OF ARTS, HISTORY". Archived from the original on April 15, 2001. http://web.archive.org/web/20010415215835/www.gwc.edu/Cat_MA_History.html. 
  18. ^ "Ancient Mormon Doctrine Scholar". http://www.einarerickson.com/content/view/10/28/. Retrieved September 10, 2008. 
  19. ^ "DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, EDUCATION". Archived from the original on April 26, 2001. http://web.archive.org/web/20010426191351/www.gwc.edu/Cat_PHD_Educ.html. "Recommended for professional educators: public, home and private." 
  20. ^ "David Eric WOOD v. STATE of Arkansas". http://courts.state.ar.us/opinions/2001b/20010905/ar001273.html. Retrieved September 10, 2008. 
  21. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). pp. 22–23. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  22. ^ a b c Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 36. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  23. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 27. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  24. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 32. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  25. ^ Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 33. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  26. ^ a b c Brooks, Shanon. "The First Fifteen Years" (PDF). p. 41. http://www.gw.edu/pdf/gwc_history.pdf. Retrieved April 1, 2009. [dead link]
  27. ^ "The Case for a Renaissance, Part II". The Statesman (George Wythe University). September 2008. http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/CampusNews/82. 
  28. ^ "Private college comes of age as George Wythe moves from college to university". http://www.sjrnews.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&widget=full_story&content_instance_id=184849&open=&. Retrieved September 23, 2008. "The George Wythe Foundation Board of Trustees and the state of Utah recently authorized George Wythe College to transition to George Wythe University." 
  29. ^ http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/UT/San+Juan/state.html
  30. ^ "George Wythe College making presence felt". http://www.sjrnews.com/pages/full_story?page_label=2008_archives&widget=full_story&content_instance_id=20375&open=&. Retrieved July 23, 2008. "A visit with Dr. Shanon Brooks, a team of architects, and donors Thursday morning revealed a beehive of activity at their headquarters in Monticello in what used to be the Hyland Hotel. School officials have invited interested educators, donors, and community members to come in and make suggestions." 
  31. ^ "Private college comes of age as George Wythe moves from college to university". http://www.sjrnews.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&widget=full_story&content_instance_id=184849&open=&. Retrieved July 23, 2008. 
  32. ^ "GWU Press Release". George Wythe University. March 3, 2009. http://news.gw.edu/?p=30. 
  33. ^ "Pillars of Stone". The Statesman 8 (11). November 2004. http://newsletter.gw.edu/pre/statesman_08_11.pdf. 
  34. ^ a b "Student Handbook". http://www.gw.edu/downloads/student_handbook.pdf. Retrieved April 3, 2009. 
  35. ^ http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/CampusNews/77 Accessed December 27, 2008.
  36. ^ http://www.gw.edu/philanthropy/brick_by_brick/build.php Accessed December 27, 2008.
  37. ^ DeMille, Oliver (February 12, 2009). "The Tuition Bubble has Hit". Oliver's Update. www.tjedonline.com. http://www.tjedonline.com/olivers-update.php. Retrieved March 3, 2009. 
  38. ^ a b "Academics". http://www.gw.edu/academics/ba/. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  39. ^ a b c "Student Life". http://www.gw.edu/prospective/studentlife.php. Retrieved April 2, 2009. 
  40. ^ "Testing". http://www.gw.edu/about/environments/testing.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  41. ^ "The Mission of George Wythe College". http://www.gw.edu/about/mission.php. Retrieved September 6, 2008. 
  42. ^ "Methodology". http://www.gw.edu/about/method/. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  43. ^ "Classics". http://www.gw.edu/about/method/one.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  44. ^ "classroom culture". http://www.gw.edu/about/culture/classroom.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  45. ^ "Mentors". http://www.gw.edu/about/method/two.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  46. ^ "Simulations". http://www.gw.edu/about/method/three.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  47. ^ a b "Field Experience". http://www.gw.edu/about/method/four.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  48. ^ "Classics". http://www.gw.edu/about/method/five.php. Retrieved April 1, 2009. 
  49. ^ "Undergraduate". http://www.gw.edu/academics/ba/. Retrieved April 20, 2009. 
  50. ^ a b "Masters Programs". http://www.gw.edu/academics/ma/. Retrieved April 20, 2009. 
  51. ^ "Doctorate Program". http://www.gw.edu/academics/phd/. Retrieved April 20, 2009. 
  52. ^ "Off-Campus Studies". George Wythe University. http://www.gw.edu/academics/off/. Retrieved April 2, 2009. 
  53. ^ "Policy Changes Related to Academic Credit". George Wythe University. http://news.gw.edu/?p=140. Retrieved October 13, 2010. 
  54. ^ "An Update on Accreditation". The Statesman. May 2008. http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/CampusNews/39. Retrieved May 12, 2008. 
  55. ^ "Fall 2008 Semester Calendar". http://google.com/search?q=cache:dcgh1LQuDTIJ:www.gw.edu/student/2008-2009/Fall_2008_Calendar.pdf+AALE+site:gw.edu&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us. 
  56. ^ http://newsletter.gw.edu/a/FeaturedArticle/130
  57. ^ "AALE Member and Applicant Listing". http://www.aale.org/highered/list.html. 
  58. ^ Erin Reynolds, March 2008, ["I Must Study Politics: An Essay on the Divine Science"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/FeaturedArticle/25, The Statesman/
  59. ^ James Ure, April 2008, ["Book Review: Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership, Joseph Jaworski]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/BookReviews/34, The Statesman
  60. ^ James Ure, February 2008, ["Changing Lanes: How to Get Around the Individualism Roadblock With a Minor Turn in Jurisprudential Policy "]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/FeaturedArticle/11, The Statesman
  61. ^ Grant McAllister, June 2008, ["Lessons from Heiligenstadt"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/FeaturedArticle/55, The Statesman
  62. ^ Steven R. Barfuss, June 2008, ["Changing China: How the U.S. Can and Should Seek to Influence China Toward the Rule of Law"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Submissions/54, The Statesman
  63. ^ Emily Black, April 2008, ["To the Artist"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Submissions/36, The Statesman
  64. ^ Kyla Thomas, February 2008, ["The Eurasian Plateau:Gateway to World Dominance"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Submissions/12,The Statesman
  65. ^ February 2008,["From Rural Mexico, to GWC, to Pepperdine School of Law"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Spotlight/17, The Statesman
  66. ^ Eve Hatton, May 2008, ["GWC Graduate Awarded Full-Tuition Scholarship to Law School: When Mission is Your First Priority"]http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Spotlight/50, The Statesman
  67. ^ http://www.gw.edu/prospective/finance/
  68. ^ "Statesmanship Invitational". http://www.gw.edu/seminars/6.php. Retrieved April 2, 2009. 
  69. ^ http://www.gw.edu/seminars/24.php
  70. ^ June 2007, "European Field Experience", The Statesman
  71. ^ http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Submissions/33
  72. ^ http://www.wesquared.net/be-the-change.php
  73. ^ http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/Submissions/69
  74. ^ http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/FeaturedArticle/92
  75. ^ http://newsletter.gw.edu/archive/PhotoGalleries/94
  76. ^ http://www.gw.edu/yfa/
  77. ^ "Faculty". George Wythe College. http://www.gwc.edu/about/people/faculty.php. Retrieved May 12, 2008. 

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