From the College President's Desk
A message from College President Jane Fernandes
Dear Alumni Community,
As we begin the final term for this academic year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the progress we’ve made together. These past few months have reminded us of what Antioch has always stood for: creativity in the face of challenge, community strengthened through action, and the courage to build a better future. Thanks to your continued advocacy and support, this year has been a season of meaningful momentum.
Federal Work College Designation
Antioch has officially become a member of the Work Colleges Consortium — a historic next step after receiving our Federal Work College standing in 2024 that affirms our experiential learning model and positions students to earn wages while gaining real-world skills across campus and in our community. We are already seeing the positive impact this is having on our students. A small group recently visited Washington D.C. to collaborate with students from other work colleges and gain experience in advocacy on Capitol Hill.
Enrollment Growth & Expanded Recruitment
Our admissions team has opened new pipelines with community-based organizations and strengthened partnerships nationally. Inquiry volume and applications continue upward, reflecting increased awareness of our value and mission. We welcomed the largest class of new students for a Winter term since the College’s reopening and we are optimistic about reaching our goal of 175 students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications are up 467 percent compared to this time last year.
Wellness & Whole-Person Education
Through our work with the Endeavor Foundation, we are expanding mental health resources, integrating well-being into our curriculum, and supporting a culture of care that helps every student thrive. In late October, we proudly hosted the 2025 Inaugural Endeavor Fellows Gathering that included representatives from 12 small, liberal arts colleges from around the country.
Community & Co-op Impact
Students are contributing across Yellow Springs, throughout the country and around the world — from climate action and healthcare to creative media and grassroots social justice organizations. Their cooperative learning and experiential education demonstrates the Antioch difference in action.
National Leadership & Visibility
We continue raising our voice in national conversations — from op-eds advancing student access and inclusion to partnerships that strengthen our role as a College of Action in today’s world.
HLC Preparation
In 2025, the Higher Learning Commission removed Antioch College’s financial distress designation, a result of the hard work and determination of our faculty and staff. Using that momentum and the progress we have made in enrollment and the business and revenue office, we are preparing for our reaccreditation visit from the HLC in May.
Campus Revitalization & Stewardship
We’ve reorganized key operational areas, welcomed new leadership in business, revenue, and facilities, and continued work with our buildings and grounds — investing in a campus environment that inspires learning and belonging.
Perhaps the most exciting part of our efforts to revitalize campus is the reopening of Main Hall. With the support of generous donors we have fully funded phase 1 of the reopening, which is nearly complete, and part of phase 2. These plans also include the restoration of Kelly Hall.
Every one of these achievements is rooted in your belief in Antioch. Alumni engagement — volunteering, mentoring, giving, and sharing our story — fuels our progress and sustains the pathways students take from campus to global citizenship.
As we wrap up our 175th anniversary year and look ahead to 2026, I invite you to stay connected with the College you helped shape. Your experience and your example show future Antiochians that another world is not only possible — it is already being built here.
Thank you for standing with us and for carrying Antioch’s mission wherever you go.
With appreciation and hope,
Jane Fernandes
President, Antioch College