Purpose - To challenge the assumption that liberal education as we understand it today, is alive and well in our institutions of higher education. Design/methodology/approach - Reflective Essay. Findings - The spirit of liberal education is alive and well but has largely fled the university and taken up residence in less formal, more flexible educational contexts. Originality/value - This article plays the devil's advocate and argues that we need to rethink how we approach and signify 'Liberal education'.