NORTON, Mass. – Wheaton College will host Thought Leaders: An Ongoing Conversation on the Future of the Liberal Arts, beginning March 22. The series of workshops and public lectures are designed to “explore the continuing relevance of the liberal arts” and challenges those colleges face.

“My goal for the thought-leaders series is to begin a discussion about Wheaton’s future, preserving what we value about our institution and positioning us for long-term success,” Ronald Crutcher, Wheaton College president, said in a statement. “At a time when the public is questioning the value of higher education, the institutions committed to the liberal arts must become better at demonstrating the personal, practical and long-term benefits of the rigorous and flexible education we offer students.”

The series will kick off with a workshop for Wheaton faculty with Jose Bowen, dean of Meadows College at Southern Methodist University, who will talk on how to engage students with mobile and Web technology to create active-learning environments. •