Some years ago, I had a dream. My dream was that one day I would become the Provost, Chancellor or President of a humanistic college where people matter, change is accepted and learning is fun.

Education must be the most human of all life’s experience, and it has to be fun! Personalized education and individualized attention have to blend comfortably as the student’s human potential unfolds and blossoms.

I envisioned a college that existed for the students, not for the administration, and where the classes are led by practicing clinicians with life experience in the subjects taught. With loving care the dream became a reality. A person-centered learning institute—a school that would focus on people—was created. Ryokan College was born.

The College has become a place where a community of seekers come together to share knowledge in their quest to unfold their own potential and become more whole. Every human being I have ever met has a dream. Some have shared them with me; others have chosen to keep their vision closer to the heart. But I see it in every student.

I see it in their eyes. I may not know your vision—but I do know you have one—and that is all I need to know. The purpose of the College is to bring your vision into clear view through the contribution you will make in the world. The COLLEGE offers an adventure in human development, a journey through humanistic education.

The starting point is the student’s area of interest that is, after all, the emotional activator that creates spirit. Learning can only take place where motivation exists and motivation is conceived from interest. RYOKAN COLLEGE was designed to serve students who find it difficult to meet their learning needs in larger, more formal colleges. Our small classes in the undergraduate and graduate programs foster an environment of informality as dialogue is exchanged and knowledge shared.

The seminar-style classes are facilitated by experts in their chosen field who delight in the creative interchange flowing in this informal setting. RYOKAN COLLEGE turns possibilities into actualities.

Alvin P. Ross, Ph.D.

Chairman of the Board