It is something that we tell prospective and current students repeatedly, and it’s satisfying to realize that the achievements of our alumni consistently confirm the truth in it: the enduring value and relevance of a classic liberal arts education can hardly be overestimated.

I recently returned from Hong Kong, where I met with representatives of the Hong Kong Educational Bureau. This summer, William Jewell College will host “The Power of Liberal Studies” workshop July 19-31 on the campus in Liberty. Educators from throughout Hong Kong will gather here in the heart of America to study teaching techniques that facilitate integrated learning around important themes and questions. They will develop contacts with master teachers experienced in teaching an integrated curriculum to students of various ages, and will return to their home country with a personal portfolio of lesson planning ideas for use in their own classrooms.

At William Jewell we understand the importance of the liberal arts in providing a context for making informed career and life decisions in an increasingly complex global community. Our academic program incorporates an intentional and integrated core curriculum that provides a progressive path toward a broad and deep educational experience. As the first liberal arts institution in the nation to elevate the core curriculum to the status of a full-fledged major, William Jewell is uniquely positioned to provide insights into the rigorous tradition of liberal arts studies.

The liberal arts curriculum as practiced at William Jewell challenges students to develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, problem-solving and communication skills. Study in the liberal arts tradition enhances students’ ability to engage in quantitative reasoning, analytic reading and independent research which, when combined with their major-specific disciplines, prepares them for a lifetime of personal and professional success.

George C. Nolen, president and CEO of Siemens Corporation, one of the world’s largest electrical engineering and electronics companies, wrote recently: “To be successful in global companies like Siemens, business managers must be able to navigate local market differences, seek opportunities for collaboration between businesses, and promote cooperation across functions. A solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is necessary for those who want to be corporate leaders.”

It is just such a solid educational foundation that we have provided to generations of students here on the Hill. We look forward to sharing our expertise in the liberal arts with an international audience.