Jeremiah Regan ’08 assumed the role of executive director of online learning this past January.

Under Regan, the program continues to grow, adding an updated website, a lecture series about John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” coming out this November, and a new documentary of Marxism. Additionally, the online program is developing new curricula with several courses focusing on a specific topic.

“Our courses can help them learn things that will give them peace in their soul, that will deepen their faith, that will teach them things that they don’t know, that are both useful and beautiful,” Regan said.

According to Regan, the for-credit distance learning program is growing in popularity with several hundred students studying each year. 

“These courses are available to everyone from children, homeschool students, young professionals, people starting families, experienced professionals, and retirees who do not have the ability to devote themselves to full-time study,” Regan said. 

Regan stepped into his new role as the head of online learning as the prior director, Kyle Murnen, became chief of staff to College President Larry Arnn.

“I’ve known Jeremiah since we were in college together — which is forever ago now,” Murnen said. “Jeremiah is a great team builder and leader. He communicates well with everyone he works with at the college, he’s clear about his goals, and he’s ambitious and decisive about pursuing them.”

Prior to his new position as the executive director of online learning, Regan received his bachelor’s degree in history at Hillsdale. He became the vice president of training at a mortgage company before returning to Hillsdale to study politics and receive both a master’s and doctorate degree in the subject. 

Even before he completed his degree, Regan was actively involved with Hillsdale programs. He eventually became the director of both the Education Center Development and of the Law Enforcement Outreach, a program devoted to teaching officers political Constitution courses. 

Regan will continue his involvement in the Law Enforcement Outreach as well as teaching a Constitution course to undergraduate students this fall for the first time. 

“Jeremiah is an excellent addition to the college and to External Affairs,” Executive Director of Programs Matthew Bell said. “A scholar with important experience in and out of academia, he is continuing the work of his predecessors to expand the teaching mission of Hillsdale College to a growing nationwide audience.”

Growing up homeschooled in the Midwest, Regan spoke of falling in love with Hillsdale College on a campus tour. Now living locally with his family as a Hillsdale alum, he continues to learn. 

“That’s the most exciting part of the job. It’s working with the professors, learning things that are outside of my normal realm,” Regan said. 

With more than 140 million hours watched last year, the program has been discussed and mentioned on the platforms of several popular influencers including Joe Christian Guy, Jacob and Julia Peterson, and, more recently, John Lovell. 

“Hillsdale College undergraduates are able to immerse themselves in learning that will increase their knowledge, their wisdom, make it more likely that they’ll be able to have a fulfilling life, to achieve happiness,” Regan said. “We get to share some of that learning with our friends across the country and across the globe.”