Staff Reports
In the enchanting world of higher education, where the promise of knowledge and growth beckons like a shiny apple on a teacher’s desk, there has been a noticeable drift from the original ideals that once guided its mission. Dr. Kent Engel, the esteemed president of Southeastern University, invites us to peel back the layers of this educational onion through his engaging new book, “College Without Communism.” This October release provides a gripping examination of how college education has fallen prey to ideological indoctrination rather than fostering genuine scholarship and character development.
Dr. Engel speaks passionately about the need to revitalize education, emphasizing that institutions should not only educate but also shape students into virtuous leaders. He recalls that the original intent of higher education was rooted in spiritual and moral development, something that seems, at times, to have been lost in the maze of modern academia. Instead of nurturing curiosity and critical thinking, many universities have swapped the pursuit of truth for conformity, ideological conformity at that. The shift has left some institutions resembling ideological factories more than places of higher learning.
One must ask, how did we get here? Dr. Engel points out that students are often fed the notion that “truth is relative” and that faith should be sidelined, presenting patriotism and moral clarity as outdated concepts. This new educational norm pushes a narrative that emphasizes feelings over facts, leaving students adrift without the anchor of well-formed beliefs. Alarmingly, even presidents of venerable institutions like Harvard have begun to recognize that they have strayed from their academic integrity, a realization that acknowledges the chaos that has seeped into the classrooms of America.
The contrast couldn’t be clearer: Dr. Engel’s vision sees educational institutions as places where students can explore their divine purpose and engage in meaningful discourse. He doesn’t merely lament the current state of affairs; he offers a roadmap to reclaiming lost ground. By fostering educational environments that prioritize access, affordability, and experiential learning, institutions can pivot back to their foundational goals. Dr. Engel encourages partnerships with local churches and community organizations to bridge the gap between students and a true educational experience, one that benefits entire communities.
Moreover, the book highlights a glaring issue: the runaway costs associated with higher education. Traditional campuses, once bastions of learning, have become bloated with unnecessary amenities that cater more to consumer culture than the academic spirit. Dr. Engel’s approach nudges institutions to rethink their offerings and focus on what truly matters—creating meaningful interactions and communities that foster a holistic blend of physical, mental, and emotional growth. By prioritizing low-cost education options and accessibility, universities can support students in becoming good stewards of their futures instead of burdening them with debt.
In a time when many view college as a luxury rather than a necessity, Dr. Engel’s message resounds like a school bell ringing through the halls of an empty classroom. “College Without Communism” brings attention not only to the struggles within higher education but also to the tremendous potential that lies ahead if we redirect our focus to the purpose of education: advancing truth, shaping character, and lifting up the next generation of leaders. The call to action isn’t just for students but for educational leaders everywhere to join in the movement—ushering in an era where knowledge isn’t shaped by ideology, but by the timeless pursuit of truth.
