George Wythe College coming to Monticello

Officials at George Wythe College have announced their intention to build a campus on private property west of Monticello. George Wythe Chief Operating Officer Shannon Brooks announced that the project would begin immediately, with the intent to begin teaching courses in permanent facilities in the Fall of 2012.

George Wythe is a private college that offers four-year degrees in “statesmanship”. The organization has operated for approximately 15 years and has issued nearly 200 diplomas. Instruction currently takes place in a facility in Cedar City, Utah .

While making the announcement, Brooks discussed the 200 plus acres of property that have been secured to date for the facility. He described its rugged beauty and beautiful vistas by saying, “You feel as if you can see the whole world from there.”

The property abuts National Forest Service land and offers panoramic views of the Four Corners area.

The provost of the college, andrew Groft, gave a speech at the event in which he outlined his vision of the college. Acknowledging an “audacious” future for the college, Groft placed George Wythe College and its programs at no less than the forefront of a new “Renaissance of Kings”, with the ability to transform society and the world.

Approximately 200 supporters of the college gathered in a black tie affair in Salt Lake City and greeted the announcement of the new campus with a standing ovation. The gathering was of supporters of the “Wokh-sá-pe Pte San Philanthropic Society”. The project will require significant philanthropic work, with Brooks pegging the cost of the project in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Brooks introduced Monticello City Councilman Blen Freestone, who shared with the crowd his vision of the George Wythe project. Freestone was first introduced to the project by Monticello businessman Doug Harkey. Harkey’s initital enthusiasm has grown to a number of city residents.

In addition to Freestone, Monticello City Mayor Doug Allen, City Manager Trent Schafer, and Councilmen Brad Randall and Walter Bird attended the event. Monticello businesswoman Karen Whipple was announced as a member of a fund raising board for the college.

In addition to announcing the Monticello project, Brooks announced that the college will investigate the creation of another satellite campus in southern Alberta, Canada. Brooks said that the college may have a number of campuses. He added that the college expects to become accredited by the Fall of 2008.

George Wythe was the teacher and mentor of Thomas Jefferson. The college uses the model of Wythe to deliver intense hands-on mentoring of students in small groups.
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