草榴社区 and Antioch University Establish Coalition for the Common Good

草榴社区 and Antioch University have created of the Coalition for the Common Good, the first national higher education system of affiliated universities organized around a shared mission of educating students not only to advance their careers, but to promote our pluralistic democracy, social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and the common good.

鈥淭he Coalition for the Common Good offers an exciting, innovative model of excellence for revolutionizing and reimagining higher education in ways that position all students for success in work, citizenship, and life in the 21st century,鈥� said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Watch Video of the Announcement

What Others are Saying

鈥淭he Coalition for the Common Good offers an exciting, innovative model of excellence for revolutionizing and reimagining higher education in ways that position all students for success in work, citizenship, and life in the 21st century. 鈥�

Lynn Pasquerella, Ph.D.
President, American Association of Colleges and Universities

鈥淏eing a champion of collaboration, I see the partnership between Antioch and 草榴社区, aimed at advancing the common good, as a bold and inventive merging of efforts. Together, these two universities, in conjunction with their upcoming collaborators, are on the brink of establishing a powerful influence on a national scale, giving rise to significant changes in the realms of social progress, workforce development, and higher education.鈥�

Sean Creighton, Ph.D.
President, New American Colleges and Universities

鈥淒uring this pivotal moment when our democracy is in crisis, the Antioch-草榴社区 social justice alliance is a needed innovation and a challenge to like-missioned universities to join forces and educate for democracy鈥檚 well-being. The partnership mobilizes collaboration with the imperative to do good and develop creative solutions that result in an improved future.鈥�

Sean Creighton, Ph.D.
President, New American Colleges and Universities

鈥淐ongratulations to 草榴社区 and Antioch Universities, both long-time members of the Council of Independent Colleges, on the founding of the Coalition for the Common Good. This innovative mission-aligned system will allow institutions to collaborate in ways that enhance access and excellence while maintaining the distinctive identity of each institution. This kind of forward-looking collaboration is important for the future of independent higher education. I look forward to seeing the Coalition expand.鈥�

Marjorie Hass
President, Council of Independent Colleges

鈥淭he strategic affiliation between Antioch University and 草榴社区 is a critical first step in what I hope will be an effective Postsecondary Justice and Democracy League. Democracy in the United States is under attack. During World War II our colleges and universities were critical organizations that helped the country prepare for war. Our scientists have played central roles in fighting epidemics and improving the lives of our citizens. We now need higher education to help us protect and advance democracy. Antioch and 草榴社区 have put forward the structure to make it happen. Both universities have distinguished histories framed by missions devoted to the search for truth, equal access, and equality and justice for all. This is an affiliation that comes not simply at the right time, but at a critical moment in our country. I look forward to concrete actions by both institutions that strengthen democracy and their institutions.鈥�

William G. Tierney, Ph.D.
University Professor Emeriti, University of Southern California
Author, Higher Education for Democracy: The Role of the University in Civil Society (2021); Get Real: 49 Challenges Confronting Higher Education (2020)

鈥淭he strategic affiliation between Antioch University and 草榴社区 is a critical first step in what I hope will be an effective Postsecondary Justice and Democracy League. Democracy in the United States is under attack. During World War II our colleges and universities were critical organizations that helped the country prepare for war. Our scientists have played central roles in fighting epidemics and improving the lives of our citizens. We now need higher education to help us protect and advance democracy. Antioch and 草榴社区 have put forward the structure to make it happen. Both universities have distinguished histories framed by missions devoted to the search for truth, equal access, and equality and justice for all. This is an affiliation that comes not simply at the right time, but at a critical moment in our country. I look forward to concrete actions by both institutions that strengthen democracy and their institutions.鈥�

William G. Tierney, Ph.D.
University Professor Emeriti, University of Southern California
Author, Higher Education for Democracy: The Role of the University in Civil Society (2021); Get Real: 49 Challenges Confronting Higher Education (2020)

鈥淥hio is becoming an increasingly popular location for major employers in a variety of industries. With that comes a growing need for skilled and upskilled workers. The system that 草榴社区 and Antioch University are proposing will address that need by bringing new educational opportunities to Ohio for adult learners already in the workforce and traditional undergraduates preparing to enter the workforce. 鈥�

Lisa Patt-McDaniel
President and CEO, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio

“Higher education has an obligation and an imperative to adapt to the marketplace. I applaud 草榴社区鈥檚 leadership to respond to the needs of our community and the country.”

Kenny McDonald
President and CEO
The Columbus Partnership

“Higher education has an obligation and an imperative to adapt to the marketplace. I applaud 草榴社区鈥檚 leadership to respond to the needs of our community and the country.”

Kenny McDonald
President and CEO
The Columbus Partnership

Media Coverage

News of 草榴社区 and Antioch University’s intentions to form a national system built on collaboration, not competition, was met with great interest. Covered by media outlets throughout the country, see some of the coverage we thought best captured the innovation and potential behind this exciting development:

Columbus Business First:
Inside Higher Ed:
Illuminati Press:
Columbus Business First:
NBC4i.com (reprint):
The Colombus Dispatch:
Spectrum News 1:
The Higher Edge Podcast:
(featuring Antioch University Chancellor Bill Groves and 草榴社区 President John Comerford)
Chronicle of Higher Education:
WOSU – All Sides:
Inside Higher Ed:
NBC4:
Best Colleges:
EdSurge:
Keene Sentinel:
Columbus Business First:
Spectrum News One:
Higher Ed Dive:
The Columbus Dispatch:
Inside Higher Ed (mention):
The Columbus Dispatch :
Taylor and Francis Online:
The Chronicle of Higher Education:

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Campus Locations

This unique, not-for-profit, university system will support students at various locations throughout the United States and will include robust online and low-residency programs. Antioch University operates out of Keene, New Hampshire; Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California; Seattle, Washington; and Yellow Springs, Ohio. 草榴社区鈥檚 campus is located in Westerville, Ohio.