Thomas Beyer

“The chance to study at the feet of Western Civilization’s wisest thinkers under the guidance of some of Liberal Education’s most accomplished professors, not to mention the impact such an experience has on one’s mastery of the craft of teaching, is of a value that is truly incalculable.”

Thomas Beyer is a Quintilian Fellow and earned a Master of Humanities with Classical Education Concentration from the University of Dallas in 2020.  He is now Assistant Headmaster at Great Hearts Irving Lower School.


Tom Jay

“The opportunity to return to my alma mater many years later was an opportunity I couldn’t let go by. It was a joy to once again be immersed in the world of ideas in a way that only UD achieves. I learned so much about the history of the liberal arts and various philosophies of education from Aristotle to Rousseau. The UD program brought me again into the Great Conversation through the reading of foundational texts and discussions with UD’s outstanding professors and colleagues from around the network, all equally dedicated to the noble pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. The two summers on campus with my Great Hearts colleagues provided the opportunity for edifying camaraderie, good bbq, and lively discussions.”

Tom Jay is a Quintilian Fellow and earned a Master of Humanities with Classical Education Concentration from the University of Dallas in 2018.  He is now a school representative for Memoria Press.


James Manion

“The education I received from the University of Dallas brought such a healthy range of new tools and knowledge to me that it revitalized many of my deeply unanswered questions I had left on the shelf since the days of my undergraduate program. Old college books and old college notes came back to life, and with great satisfaction and a more mature mind, I experienced the joys of answering questions that I forgot I had or that I never quite understood when they were first presented to me.”

James Manion is a Quintilian Fellow and earned a Master of Humanities with Classical Education Concentration from the University of Dallas in 2020.  He teaches Humane Letters and Ancient History at Trivium Preparatory Academy.


Marisa Lengel-Zigich

“I remember hearing about the continuing education programs my first year at Great Hearts at the annual summit.  I knew that not only was I excited about my specific teaching position, but I was also excited about the organization I was privileged enough to work for.  The opportunities that were presented to the faculty were fantastic, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to further explore the beauty of classical education.  The program at UD allowed me to understand the pedagogical side of the classically educated classroom as well as contemplate, discuss, and steep in the texts that make up a truly liberal arts curriculum.  After having graduated, I truly see not just my career, but the world, through a different lens.

Marisa Lengel-Zigich is a Quintilian Fellow and earned a Master of Humanities with Classical Education Concentration from the University of Dallas in 2021.  She is Dean of Academics at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy.