**Reclaiming Higher Education: Dr. Kent Engel’s Journey to a College Without Communism**
In a world where college campuses are often seen as breeding grounds for radical ideologies, Dr. Kent Engel is leading the charge to return higher education to its original purpose: nurturing the minds and spirits of the next generation. Engel, the president of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, recently released a book titled “College Without Communism.” In this powerful work, he teams up with co-author Joshua Lisk to explore how institutions of higher learning can re-establish their foundations rooted in truth and character development.
Engel’s book has received notable attention, including an endorsement from the late Charlie Kirk, a passionate advocate for conservative values. Kirk emphasized that higher education, originally centered around Christian principles, has drifted from its mission. Many traditional universities have succumbed to a culture of liberal indoctrination, which Engel vehemently opposes. He believes it doesn’t have to be this way, and that change is not only possible but necessary.
The crux of Engel’s philosophy is that education should empower students rather than confuse them. He argues that universities have strayed from their roles as bastions of truth, instead offering a curriculum filled with ideological rhetoric. Engel believes that today’s students are often told that truth is relative and that faith has no place in their lives. He views this shift as a harmful trend, asserting that moral clarity should not be left to opinion but rooted in absolute truths that foster character and citizenship.
Engel’s mission goes beyond simply writing a book; he aims to create a transformative network of universities that partner with local churches to reclaim the essence of education. This collaboration is designed to inspire students to understand their divine purpose, reminding them that they are anticipated to be solutions to the world’s challenges. By fostering a supportive environment that integrates academic learning and spiritual growth, Engel hopes to raise a generation eager to make a positive impact.
In light of rising tuition costs and overwhelming student debt, Engel’s approach also addresses the accessibility and affordability of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This hands-on learning can lead to direct placements in the workforce, effectively preparing students for meaningful careers without the burden of crippling debt. Engel’s mission is not just to provide education but to ensure it serves as a stewardship that enriches students’ lives and their communities.
As the debates around education funding and curriculum continue, Engel’s “College Without Communism” provides a refreshing perspective. He advocates for a return to the original foundations of higher education, which focused on holistic personal growth, truth, and moral clarity. In doing so, Engel invites all stakeholders in education to rethink their roles and responsibilities. With humor and conviction, he seeks to rally support for this greater cause, recognizing that it will take collaboration and commitment to bring about the change that students and society so desperately need.
