Patrick Henry College: An Overview
Patrick Henry College (PHC) is a private, non-denominational, conservative Protestant Christian liberal arts college located in Purcellville, Virginia. Founded in 1998 and officially opened in 2000, PHC distinguishes itself through its commitment to high academic rigor, fidelity to the spirit of the American founding, and an unwavering biblical worldview. The college offers bachelor's degrees in classical liberal arts, government, strategic intelligence in national security, economics and business analytics, history, journalism, environmental science and stewardship, and literature.
Accreditation and Recognition
Patrick Henry College holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) as of 2022. Furthermore, the college maintains accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), an institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Founding and Philosophy
PHC was incorporated in 1998 by Michael Farris, founder and chairman of the board of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), with which PHC maintains close ties. The college opened its doors on September 20, 2000, with an inaugural class of 92 students. Eschewing federal financial aid, PHC operates independently from United States Department of Education requirements concerning demographic makeup and other quotas. The college's funding is derived from tuition fees and donations. PHC maintains that it does not accept funds from sources seeking to supersede the authority of its Board of Trustees or conflict with its foundational statements.
Statement of Faith
A defining aspect of PHC is its "Statement of Faith," which all students must sign before enrolling. This statement affirms belief in core Christian doctrines as defined by the college. For instance, students acknowledge the existence of Satan as a personal, malevolent being and the reality of Hell as a place of eternal punishment for those who die outside of Christ. Additionally, the statement affirms the belief that humanity is inherently sinful and in need of salvation, found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ.
In 2006, founder Michael Farris articulated the college's conviction that its faith is the only true faith, expressing disapproval of religious and social toleration.
Read also: College QBs to Watch
Campus and Location
Patrick Henry College is situated in Purcellville, a rural town in northern Virginia, approximately 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Washington, D.C. The campus comprises seven buildings centered around a retention pond known as "Lake Bob," along with several athletic fields.
Founders Hall
Founders Hall, the oldest building, opened in 2000 and houses three classrooms, the college library, and administrative and faculty offices. It also serves as the headquarters for the Home School Legal Defense Association. The architecture is Colonial Revival. The artwork in Founders Hall includes copies of portraits of the Founding Fathers along a staircase, culminating in a depiction of Patrick Henry at the second Virginia convention, illuminated by a light from heaven during his speech.
Residential Life
The residential village consists of six residence halls located around the lake. There are three men's and three women's dormitories. The four smaller dormitories opened in 2001, while Red Hill, a male dormitory, opened in 2003. Shiloh, a women's dormitory, opened in 2024, leading to the conversion of Montpelier from a women's dormitory to a men's dormitory.
Town Hall
Located in the basement of Mount Vernon is an auditorium called Town Hall, which hosts daily chapel sessions and other special events.
Leadership and Academic Focus
Michael Farris resigned as president of the college on March 6, 2006, to assume the role of chancellor. Jack Haye became the third President of Patrick Henry College in 2015. Students can select a major from seven fields of study. The Government Department offers majors in Government, Journalism, Economics & Business Analytics, and Strategic Intelligence in National Security.
Read also: From College to the NFL
Academic Discussions
The resignations led to discussions about the practical implementation of a strong liberal arts education alongside conservative biblical beliefs and the possibility of balanced discussions between the two. David C. Noe, a former assistant professor of classics at PHC, left due to disagreements regarding the appropriate perspective and value attributed to non-Christian authors in relation to Biblical texts.
Extracurricular Activities and Achievements
PHC students actively participate in various extracurricular activities, achieving notable success in several areas.
Mock Trial
PHC fields a mock trial team in the American Mock Trial Association. In the 2021-2022 season, two PHC teams advanced to the National Championship Tournament.
Civic Debate
In 2021, 52 students represented PHC in civic debate, with almost two-thirds being freshmen or sophomores. PHC participated in both virtual and in-person events. At the 2021 Lafayette Debates National Championship, hosted jointly by George Washington University and France's École de guerre-Terre, PHC students secured 1st and 2nd place. In the spring 2022 NATO Summit, which included masters' level students and undergraduates, PHC students achieved 2nd through 5th places. At the General Welfare debates, PHC students achieved 1st through 3rd place.
LSAT Scores
PHC's LSAT scores are among the highest in the United States. In both 2019 and 2020, PHC students (including alumni and current students) averaged 167.6 on the Law School Admission Test. In 2021, graduating seniors averaged 171, and all PHC students taking the LSAT (including alumni) averaged 170.6.
Read also: Texas Tech to NFL
Student Life and Conduct
PHC maintains a code of conduct that reflects its conservative Christian values. Students are prohibited from engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage and from using alcohol or tobacco while under the college's authority, which applies at all times during a semester while enrolled, both on and off campus. Men and women are not allowed in each other's dorm rooms except during open dorm days, and underclassmen are subject to a curfew.
Apprenticeship Program
PHC emphasizes community involvement, requiring Government students to complete up to 24 credits of apprenticeship projects. These projects encompass internships, research and writing projects, and extracurricular activities such as moot court, Model United Nations, and Mock Trial. Students have served as interns in various political organizations, including the White House, government agencies, congressional offices, and think-tanks. They are also active in local and national politics, often collaborating with local political action groups to advocate for conservative issues at the federal and state levels.
Controversies and Protests
On April 12, 2007, LGBT rights group Soulforce selected PHC as a target of its annual "Equality Ride" to protest the college's stance on homosexuality. College officials denied Soulforce access to the campus but proposed a formal debate on the merits of the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment. Soulforce declined the offer and proceeded to enter the campus, resulting in arrests.
Notable Alumni and Affiliations
Patrick Henry College has produced alumni who have gone on to notable positions in government, law, and media. Examples include:
- Alexa Shrake: Indiana Solicitor General
- Alyssa Farah: Former White House Director of Strategic Communications
- Bre Payton: Conservative writer and Fox News commentator
tags: #patrick #henry #college #information
