Antioch College: A legacy of innovation in education, work and community

Empowering students to shape their path and make an impact on the world

Antioch College, founded by visionary Horace Mann, has been a pioneer in education for nearly two centuries. Mann’s revolutionary ideas have set the foundation for the academic institution’s unique offerings, which continue to thrive today. Antioch was the first liberal college to offer coeducation and equal academic opportunities to African Americans while pioneering community-work-based education. Today, it continues to foster innovation in education, work and community engagement to create a better world for future generations.

“During the first commencement at Antioch College, Horace Mann said, ‘Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity,’” says Dr. Jane Fernandes, president of Antioch College. “Today, our graduates are haunted by that statement, inspiring them to accomplish something significant for the community or the world during their lifetime.”

One of Antioch’s hallmark programs is integrating work-based education into the liberal arts curriculum. Students must complete three work experiences with an optional fourth during their time at the college, allowing them to graduate with a robust resume that showcases their professional experiences complete with references.

This commitment to practical application is mirrored in Antioch’s five interdisciplinary areas of study: Cultural Power and Change, Interdisciplinary Arts and Creative Practice, Global Studies and Engagement, Social Enterprise and Innovation, and Sustainability and the Environment. These programs allow students to tailor their education to their personal interests and career aspirations, making Antioch a truly distinct liberal arts institution.

Moreover, the college’s focus on community and social responsibility is exemplified by its dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through initiatives like the Coretta Scott King Center, Antioch continues to be a hub for social change and dialogue.

Dr. Fernandes highlights the college’s affordability. This is complemented by its status as a Federal Work College, which requires students to work in-campus to partly pay for their tuition.

“We aim to grow our enrollment, confident that our initiatives will increase interest and understanding of Antioch’s unique value,” says Dr. Fernandes, who has a doctorate in comparative literature and over three decades of experience in higher education. “I truly believe Antioch is one of the greatest colleges in the country.”

Learn more about Antioch College at antiochcollege.edu.