Monadnock’s Higher Education Institutions Inspire Lifelong Learning

The vibrant Monadnock Region offers educational options for all types of learners. Institutions, events, and programs focused on expanding knowledge abound here. Through these many opportunities for learning, the Monadnock community embraces the potential of all its residents.

This spring, the region will celebrate another talented group of learners who have completed their studies here in Southwestern New Hampshire. Their accomplishment is no small feat but rather a marathon of meaningful learning. They set out to explore new ideas, and we are all better for it. Well done to all of our local students!

For those interested in the region’s multiple colleges and universities, there are plenty of engaging programs to delve into. From undergraduate degrees to career advancement, the Monadnock Region is an excellent place to tap into your potential.

Keene State College (KSC)

This public liberal arts college resides in the heart of the city of Keene, a cultural hub in this part of the Granite State. A member of the University System of New Hampshire and the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, KSC offers more than 40 areas of undergraduate study, as well as an assortment of master degree programs. Princeton Review even named it one of the Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast, in its “2022 Best Colleges: Region by Region” edition.

KSC began as a teacher’s college, but its academic programs have developed far beyond that these days. In addition to Education degrees, it’s well-known for programs in Business Management, Psychology, Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences, and Criminal Justice. With such a range of degree options available, students at KSC enjoy discovering their passions while developing their minds.

KSC also weaves its educational opportunities into the local community. For instance, you can catch a live performance of visual arts at The Redfern Arts Center. Within The Redfern Arts Center, find three performance venues: the Alumni Recital Hall, which hosts the annual KSC Film Festival, the Main Theater for productions of all kinds, and the Wright Theater, a traditional black box theater. Don’t miss this year’s film festival beginning on May14th, 2022.

Furthermore, below the Redfern Art Center hides The Putnam Theater for films that educate and inspire. The Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery offers displays of traditional arts and student works open daily for viewing. Occasions to engage, learn, explore, and develop one’s self are abundant and diverse in the heart of Keene.

In addition to engaging with the arts, Keene State also offers dedicated programs for Life Long Learning, including non-matriculated courses, adult education, youth programs, camps, and special events.

This includes the Cheshire Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL), the college’s Institute for Learning in Retirement. Affiliated through the Institute Network, CALL is part of the internationally known Road Scholar program. Its classes are led by members, community experts, and faculty, with scholarship funds available.

With programming for young children right on up to those who have retired after full careers, occasions to engage, learn, explore, and develop one’s self are abundant and diverse in the heart of Keene.

Antioch University New England

Also seated in Keene is Antioch. As a leader in progressive education, they offer doctoral, graduate degrees, and certificates. Antioch specializes in environmental studies, counseling and therapy, and education and psychology. They also promote experimental education through individualized studies.

Antioch embodies “learner centered education” and prides itself on “empowering students with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful lives.” With the goal of rigorous analysis of the world and its systems, students at Antioch learn to question all aspects of social, environmental and economic justice. They develop people as community pillars, complete with applicable skill sets ready to embrace the needs of the modern world.

Franklin Pierce University

Nestled in the lush woodland and peaceful lakeside region of Rindge, NH sits Franklin Pierce University. Presenting degrees in doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate programs, this accredited, private, local university provides students with pathways to become successful leaders. Dedicated to the goals of their students, Franklin Pierce nurtures crucial academic and professional skills to promote a strong community of lifelong learners.

Franklin Pierce excels at providing students personalized experiences within its rural, 1200-acre campus and close-knit community of educators and learners. Its 13:1 student to faculty ratio means students receive abundant support to meet their educational goals. Offering 24 varsity athletic teams, Franklin Pierce is also a NCAA Division II member.

River Valley Community College

Spanning from Keene north to Hanover, NH, you’ll find learning opportunities with River Valley Community College. From the Lakes Region west through Vermont, this innovative system allows students to learn statewide in their Allied Health and Health Sciences programs. River Valley takes pride in promoting high quality education at affordable costs. They work to produce learners prepared to engage in lifelong rewarding careers.

For students needing flexible education options, River Valley has daytime, evening, online and hybrid educational programs. Students can earn associate’s degrees and certificates in a variety of programs designed to launch their careers or integrate into a four-year program. These highly applicable skills can open the door to major life opportunities.

Having a robust local education system is essential for a well-rounded, connected community.  Diverse educational options enable individuals to thrive and promote the well-being of the community at large. Here in the Monadnock Region, we value the many wonderful aspects of our numerous institutions for higher education.

And this month especially, we recognize the energy and commitment it takes to graduate and succeed. Our community thrives on trailblazers, innovative thinkers, and entrepreneurs, many of whom found their passions right here during college. Thank you and congratulations to this year’s newly minted minds. Best of luck as you set forward into your future goals. May you never stop learning!

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