The St. Ambrose Center at the University of Dallas is extending the university’s core mission — that the pursuit of wisdom, truth and virtue are the proper and primary ends of education — to the world at large through its University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast. The podcast aims to inspire and inform K-12 classical teachers, administrators and parents through interviews with thought leaders in the classical education movement.
By Rebecca Grillot, BA ’10
The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast has been reaching parents, teachers and administrators since June 2025, sharing the message that the pursuit of wisdom, truth and virtue are the primary ends of education. Formerly the Liberal Education for Life podcast, the show invites listeners to “encounter UD's distinctive approach to Classical Education: that education begins in wonder, proceeds through a relationship between the teacher, the student, and the object of study, and is ordered toward the love of the highest things,” says the podcast’s host, St. Ambrose Center Assistant Director Dr. Shannon Valenzuela.
“This podcast is such a gift to anyone who is passionate about the benefits of a good, true, liberal arts education,” said Chelsea Gibson, BA ’09. “UD alumni, parents, friends and fans will find it particularly satisfying, but anyone on a quest for knowledge who loves truth and beauty will enjoy it.”
Dr. Valenzuela’s particular passion is enriching parents’ understanding of the power of classical education and “filling the well” for teachers and administrators. “I hope listeners find that the episodes expand their understanding about classical education as a mode of forming souls for flourishing, and that they find inspiration for their work in the classroom.”
Parent listener Noelle Nugent said, “Every episode is delightful — breezy and fun while also unearthing profound truths about the formation of children.”
Over the course of the podcast, Dr. Valenzuela and her guests have explored many academic topics ranging from literature to math and science to a discussion on the importance of art and beauty. Conversations have also included encouragement in creating school culture through classroom management and community-building.
“I have found solace in this podcast as an educator and now studying education. It is great to listen to the voices of classical education and engage in the conversation myself,” said graduate student and teacher Anna Stevenson, BA ’22. “It’s incredibly powerful to learn how we can teach in an integrated way to create order to unlock learning. It inspired me to own the fact that I am an embodied soul teaching embodied souls and simply share what I love in playful learning.”
Recent episodes of the podcast include “Why Literature Still Matters" with Dr. Jason Baxter and “Building Classical School Communities” with Dr. Robert Jackson, as well as a four-episode series on the Quadrivium.
The St. Ambrose Center also provides curriculum and professional development programs for teachers in classical middle and high schools as part of its efforts to extend UD’s mission to the world.
About the St. Ambrose Center for Catholic Liberal Education and Culture
The St. Ambrose Center for Catholic Liberal Education and Culture exists to extend the University of Dallas’ core mission — that the pursuit of wisdom, of truth, and of virtue are the proper and primary ends of education — to the world at large.
About the University of Dallas
The University of Dallas is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the nation, recommended by the Cardinal Newman Society for its rigorous Core Curriculum and vibrant intellectual and spiritual life. With campuses in Texas and Italy, UD forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived through undergraduate, graduate liberal arts, graduate business programs and professional programs in the humanities, ministry, and classical education. Learn more or apply at udallas.edu.
Lin Wang
