Introducing the CNLAP ·
The Cardinal Newman Liberal Arts Project is a lay initiative seeking to establish a baccalaureate curriculum inspired by Newman’s Idea of a University and John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio. The Cardinal Newman Liberal Arts Project (CNLAP) seeks to represent the heart of Western learning from Homer, Plato, and Aristotle to Dante and Shakespeare, Melville and Faulkner. The college project strives to illuminate the universality of the human experience. It provides a forum for spirited investigation, discussion, debate, dialogue, argument, and learning concerning the most critical truths of the human condition. The project is an ecumenical undertaking for learners from diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and academic perspectives.
The CNLAP is dedicated, in honor of John Henry Cardinal Newman, to founding a center of learning where, in the words of John Paul II,
- scholars scrutinize reality with the methods proper to each academic discipline and so contribute to the treasury of human knowledge,
- a collegium magistrorum et scholarium is dedicated to research, to teaching, and to the education of students, who freely associate themselves with their teachers in a common love of knowledge, and
- where research necessarily includes the search for an integration of knowledge, a dialogue between faith and reason, an ethical concern, and a theological perspective.
Founding Principles ·
Established in fidelity to Christ and his Church, Newman College will sponsor the search for truth through learning undertaken in the light of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Its programs are academic projects intended for inquirers interested in the disciplines of literature, philosophy, theology, classics, and history who genuinely aspire to know the most splendid truths about human experience. Guided by the Vatican II call for greater ecumenical and evangelical outreach by the laity, Newman College will not discriminate in its programs on the basis of sex, age, race, ethnic or religious background and will welcome both Catholics and non-Catholics interested in study, dialogue, and learning. Following the example and teaching of John Paul II, the College will seek to establish greater bonds of solidarity with all through reflection upon the universal truths, challenges, and common destiny of humanity.
Newman College will be an apostolate of Catholic laity guided by the principles of Ex Corde Ecclesiae and governed by a lay board of trustees.
Founding Provost: Dr. Ronald Muller ·
A native of Ft. Worth, Texas, Dr. Muller holds advanced degrees from Tulane University and the University of Dallas where he served as Dean of Students and director of the University’s Rome program while earning his doctorate in philosophy and literature. In 1981, he was a co-founder of the College of Saint Thomas More, and guided the college to state certification and full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1995 he was named academic dean of St. Mary’s College, Orchard Lake, MI, where he was chair of the philosophy department and taught for three years before being invited to become the founding provost of Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, MI.
Under Dr. Muller’s direction Ave Maria gained accreditation from the American Academy for Liberal Education and candidacy status with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2003 Dr. Muller was named president of the college as total enrollment reached over 200 students.
Dr. Muller has an extensive teaching career in philosophy while also offering course work in Spanish, Latin, and literature. He has lectured at several universities and colleges including Franciscan University of Steubenville and the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia. Recently he has lectured on Christian Anthropology to the candidates in the Deacon Formation program of the the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
Status ·
The Cardinal Newman Liberal Arts Project is a non-profit corporation incorporated as a public charity in the State of Michigan, The Cardinal Newman Liberal Arts Project is not recognized as a degree granting institution within the meaning of Michigan law. CNLAP offers no courses and confers no degrees. Attendance at CNLAP lectures does not earn credit and is not transferable to or accredited by other institutions.
Non-discrimination
Guided by the Vatican II call for greater ecumenical and evangelical outreach by the laity, The Cardinal Newman Liberal Arts Project does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, ethnic, or religious background and welcomes both Catholics and non-Catholics interested in study, dialogue, and learning.
An Academy Inspired by Newman's Vision ·
“It is the place to which a thousand schools make contributions; in which the intellect may safely range and speculate, sure to find its equal in some antagonistic activity, and its judge in the tribunal of truth.
It is a place where inquiry is pushed forward, and discoveries verified and perfected, and rashness rendered innocuous, and error exposed, by the collision of mind with mind, and knowledge with knowledge.
It is the place where the professor becomes eloquent, and is a missionary and a preacher, displaying his science in its most complete and most winning form, pouring it forthwith the zeal of enthusiasm, and lighting up his own love of it in the breasts of his hearers.”
-Newman
