Patrick Henry College

Overview

Patrick Henry College (PHC) is a private, non-denominational Christian liberal arts college located in Purcellville, Virginia. Founded in 2000 by Michael Farris, PHC is renowned for its rigorous classical liberal arts curriculum and its strong emphasis on a biblical worldview. The college offers undergraduate programs designed to integrate Christian faith with academic studies, preparing students for leadership roles in public policy, law, and media.

Mission and Activities

PHC’s mission is to provide an education rooted in a classical liberal arts tradition while fostering a biblical worldview. The key activities include:

Academic Programs: PHC offers majors in government, journalism, strategic intelligence, and classical liberal arts, with a focus on combining Christian faith with intellectual rigor.
Apprenticeships and Internships: PHC emphasizes hands-on experience, offering students opportunities in real-world settings, including positions in public policy, law, journalism, and other fields.
Student Life: PHC promotes an active student life, supporting various student organizations, ministry opportunities, and competitive programs like its award-winning moot court team.

Leadership and Influence

Jack W. Haye: President of PHC since 2015, Haye oversees the administration of the college and continues to uphold its mission of integrating Christian faith with a strong liberal arts education.
Michael Farris: Founder and Chancellor Emeritus of PHC, Farris has been a key figure in homeschooling advocacy and religious freedom, shaping the mission of the college.

Connections to Trump

Patrick Henry College has indirect connections to the Trump administration through its conservative Christian orientation and its alumni network. Many PHC graduates have interned or worked in various conservative organizations and government offices, some of which were closely aligned with Trump-era policies.

Concerns

Political Bias: The strong conservative and Christian values at PHC may influence the diversity of perspectives presented in its academic programs, potentially limiting exposure to alternative viewpoints.
Controversial Leadership: The college has experienced internal conflicts, including faculty resignations over differences in views regarding academic freedom and the application of its Biblical Worldview Policy.

Conclusion

Patrick Henry College is a leading institution in conservative Christian higher education, offering a rigorous classical liberal arts curriculum grounded in a biblical worldview. Its strong connections to conservative circles and its emphasis on faith-driven education make it a unique institution, though its ideological stance may affect the diversity of perspectives available to students.