Dr. Jane Fernandes, President, Antioch College

Antioch College, as you may know, was founded by Horace Mann, who established a tradition of innovation and leadership. Antioch holds the distinction of being the first co-educational college in the United States to offer equal opportunities to both men and women. Furthermore, it was among the first liberal arts institutions to incorporate community-based work experience as an integral part of its curriculum. Antioch was also a pioneer in offering equal opportunities to African Americans.

The college remains deeply committed to empowering students to take ownership of their education. We encourage them to actively shape their learning journey, choosing courses and experiences aligned with their interests and career aspirations. Antioch offers five interdisciplinary areas of study, providing flexibility for students to design their academic paths.

Our innovative approach includes a mandatory cooperative work program, requiring students to complete four professional placements during their four years at Antioch. These experiences not only prepare them for the workforce but also result in robust résumés that demonstrate their skills and accomplishments to future employers. This unique integration of liberal arts education and practical work experience ensures that our graduates are well-prepared for meaningful careers.

Antioch is a place where education extends beyond the classroom to address real-world challenges. This vision began with Horace Mann, who famously declared in the college’s inaugural commencement address: “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” This guiding principle continues to inspire our alumni, who strive to make impactful contributions to society.

Antioch College offers five interdisciplinary areas of study:

1. Cultural Power and Change – This program is designed for students who are passionate about creating societal change, whether through advancing equity in education, addressing income disparity, promoting peace, or fostering dialogue across differences.
2. Interdisciplinary Arts and Creative Practice – A haven for students who are either creators themselves or deeply interested in the role of creativity and art throughout history.
3. Global Studies and Engagement – This area emphasizes global citizenship, equipping students to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world while maintaining a sense of local and national identity.
4. Social Enterprise and Social Innovation – A popular choice for students who aim to merge business acumen with a commitment to social good, whether through climate initiatives, educational reform, or community-oriented enterprises.
5. Sustainability and the Environment – Leveraging Antioch’s location in Yellow Springs, Ohio, this program immerses students in sustainability practices and environmental studies, supported by a vibrant local community engaged in ecological initiatives.

Additionally, our Cooperative Education Program is a cornerstone of the curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience during four extended work placements, which can be pursued locally, nationally, or internationally. These experiences are invaluable in shaping their professional futures.

Antioch also features unique “learning hubs,” such as the Coretta Scott King Center, which hosts significant events like peace summits involving the families of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Another notable hub is the Antioch Microfarm, where students engage in sustainable farming practices. These hubs provide enriched learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional academics.

Our faculty are deeply dedicated to both teaching and practical learning. They possess the same level of expertise as faculty at leading institutions but focus primarily on applying their knowledge in ways that benefit students. For instance, when a large branch fell from a tree outside my office, a professor saw it as a teachable moment, integrating it into a course to study environmental factors affecting trees.

Antioch’s 7-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and fosters strong mentorship. Faculty members are not only experts in their fields but are also committed to preparing students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. This blend of academic rigor and practical relevance is a hallmark of the Antioch experience.

Antioch College is a welcoming institution, open to all who wish to learn. We actively collaborate with the Yellow Springs community and beyond, offering various programs and resources. For instance, our farm-to-table initiative provides fresh produce for community meals, and the Coretta Scott King Center hosts events that bring together diverse voices to address critical societal issues.

Our community engagement extends to the Wellness Center, which offers affordable services, and the Herndon Gallery, a space for artistic and cultural exhibits. These efforts not only enrich the lives of our students but also strengthen our ties with the surrounding community. Antioch thrives on the mutual exchange of ideas and resources, and we invite everyone to be a part of our journey.

Antioch is deeply committed to accessibility and affordability. We work closely with students and families to minimize financial barriers, often covering a significant portion of tuition through scholarships and federal support.

We are also proud to be designated a Federal Work College, one of only ten in the country. This recognition underscores our emphasis on integrating work into education. Every student is required to work five hours per week, with their earnings applied directly to tuition. This approach not only makes Antioch more affordable but also reinforces the value of hard work and practical experience.

My primary vision is to grow our enrollment, currently at 133 students, to a sustainable level—first to 200, then 500, and ultimately around 1,000. This growth would enable us to fully utilize our expansive campus and facilities while amplifying the visibility and impact of Antioch College.

I want Antioch to be recognized as one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges, celebrated for its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and transformative education. Despite the challenges facing small colleges today, I believe Antioch is uniquely positioned to thrive as a beacon of opportunity and progress.