Pillar Two: Mentors

"He was my ancient master, my earliest and best friend, and to him I am indebted for first impressions which have [been] the most salutary on the course of my life."

- Thomas Jefferson

It was George Wythe's personal mentorship of Thomas Jefferson that was most influential in his adult education. Likewise was the mentoring of Aristotle by Plato, and before that, Plato's mentoring by Socrates.  Historically, mentors have consistently played a key role.

The role of a mentor is to inspire and convince students to educate themselves, and to guide them through pitfalls and difficulties. Mentors cultivate meaningful relationships with their students, and spend one-on-one time with them on a regular basis. They encourage students to pay the price in their academic pursuits so that they can make a substantial difference throughout their lives.

It's not enough for instructors to be knowledgeable, they need to inspire greatness in their students. George Wythe University mentors are themselves trained in liberal education and remain engaged in their own pursuit and application of knowledge.  They are chosen for their passion for learning and growth, and their ability to kindle that same spark in their students.

Entrusted with the most important responsibility at the university, they are full-time faculty members who see themselves as advanced students leading a group of fellow learners in a course of study. Many of them hold at least one degree from George Wythe University, which ensures they are firmly rooted in our mission and philosophy.  They continue their own education, pursue additional degrees, write books, create works of art, serve in community, church and nation, start and run businesses, sit on boards and generally engage in a lifelong pursuit of the attributes of statesmanship.

Next Pillar: Simulations