News Summary
Ralston College in Savannah has appointed Dr. Iain McGilchrist as its new Chancellor, succeeding Jordan Peterson. This change comes during a period of growth as the college expands its educational offerings, including a new MA in Humanities program and plans for undergraduate studies, while also applying for accreditation.
Savannah – Ralston College has announced the appointment of Dr. Iain McGilchrist as its new Chancellor, taking over from Jordan Peterson, who served in the role since May 2022. This transition comes amid a period of growth and expansion for the private unaccredited liberal arts college located in Savannah.
Dr. McGilchrist’s appointment reflects the college’s ambition to enhance its academic reputation and expand its educational offerings. Ralston College, under the leadership of Stephen Blackwood, who serves as president, has been focusing on revitalizing liberal arts education and fostering critical thinking through its programs.
Since summer 2022, Ralston College has accepted graduate students into its one-year MA in Humanities program. This program, which explores thematic topics such as “the self,” “the whole,” “nature,” and “fellowship,” represents a key component of the college’s educational mission. The inaugural cohort in the MA program began their studies in Greece before relocating to Savannah in the fall of 2022.
Initially, classes were held in St. John’s Episcopal Church, but the college has moved to new facilities that total 50,000 square feet as of April 2024. This includes newly inaugurated administrative offices located at the historic Philbrick-Eastman House, which symbolizes the college’s commitment to expanding its physical footprint in the region.
The college currently offers two online short courses through the FutureLearn platform, which emphasize classic literary works including Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas and the poetry of Robert Frost. In addition to its formal educational programs, Ralston College actively engages the public through lectures and podcasts that have reached millions, demonstrating its intent to provide a transformative education in the humanities.
As part of its future growth plans, Ralston College is working to launch an undergraduate program, hoping to enroll 300 undergraduate students alongside 100 graduate students by the end of its first decade. Furthermore, as of November 16, 2023, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) authorized the college to apply for candidacy for accreditation within the next two years, a significant step toward formal recognition of its academic programs.
Despite these positive developments, Ralston College has faced criticism regarding its alignment with traditional liberal arts principles, which has led to resignations from some board members. Additionally, the institution has encountered challenges concerning preservation easements related to property sales, with allegations of failing to adhere to a first right of refusal for a historical building.
Founded in memory of William H. Ralston Jr. by Stephen Blackwood and James Atkins Pritchard, Ralston College was incorporated in Georgia in 2010, and has since been associated with influential conservative figures. The college’s mission includes reviving the conditions for a free and flourishing culture through education in the humanities, reflecting its commitment to the foundational ideals of liberal arts education.
As Ralston College moves forward under the leadership of Dr. McGilchrist, it aims to solidify its presence in the academic community and continue expanding its programs, facilities, and accreditation efforts over the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Ralston College Announces New Chancellor
- Savannah Now: Historic Savannah Foundation Condemns Ralston College Sale
- WJCL: Ralston College Hosts Free Concert
- Savannah Now: Ralston College Receives Accreditation Update
- PR Newswire: Ralston College Advances in Federal Accreditation Process
- Wikipedia: Ralston College
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SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
