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As we kick off the year, New College is proud to announce the launch of our groundbreaking distance learning program, bringing our renowned liberal arts degree to students all around the globe. This is a monumental milestone for New College, opening doors to prospective students that we could have never reached before.

Our distance learning program is unique in that it is built upon a great books curriculum. In a rapidly evolving world driven by technology, the timeless wisdom found in the classics remains as relevant as ever. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, many individuals face the uncertainty of their careers becoming obsolete. By grounding students in an education that teaches them how to think, rather than what to think, we are equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in our society. The program will kick off this spring with three captivating courses: Euclid's Elements, Plato, and History of Ideas Part 1. 

Thanks to a fruitful collaboration with Ricketts Great Books College, this program has come together swiftly. I was honored to have Joe Ricketts, Founder and President of Ricketts Great Books College, join us as we launched this new initiative. Mr. Ricketts shares my deep appreciation for the impact of the liberal arts, and his team has developed a marvelous curriculum that perfectly aligns with New College's vision. This partnership will provide our esteemed faculty with turnkey resources to seamlessly deliver a New College education in a virtual format, as well as offer scholarships for students pursuing a degree through our distance learning program at New College.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated faculty, who will play a pivotal role in teaching in this program. Dr. David Allen Harvey, a highly regarded history professor with over two decades of experience at New College, will lead the program as New College's esteemed Dean of the Center for the Study of Western Civilization.

One common question arises when discussing this new program: "Where will the students come from?" The answer is simple – from right down the street to halfway across the world. The potential is limitless. Our students will come from all walks of life, spanning from traditional college-aged individuals to seasoned lifelong learners.

While New College is renowned for our residential honors program and our breathtaking bayfront campus, the addition of distance learning only enhances our commitment to growth and excellence. As we expand the school, it is crucial for us to seize new opportunities and connect with more independent learners, including high school to adult learning, extend the reach of our rigorous and rewarding New College education to those who may never physically set foot in Sarasota.

I invite you to explore the possibilities of New College's distance learning program as we redefine education and empower learners across the globe; visit us at ncf.edu/worldwide. 

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida.

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