Olasky’s Newsmakers Interview Series Engages, Uplifts Patrick Henry College

Patrick Henry College’s Distinguished Chair in Journalism and Public Policy held court across campus in a whirlwind week of interviews and workshops.

In his first official week as Patrick Henry College’s new journalism professor and Distinguished Chair in Journalism and Public Policy, Dr. Marvin Olasky treated the campus to a stimulating array of personalized events and appearances, highlighted by a week-long interview series with prominent lawmakers, policymakers and authors. It all took place in the stylish intimacy of the Barbara Hodel Center Coffee house on the Patrick Henry College campus, and by week’s end, the roster of newsmakers included U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), U.S. Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ), Sagamore Institute President Jay Hein, Christian author Ann Voskamp, and Baylor history professor Thomas Kidd.

What was billed as WORLD Magazine Week at Patrick Henry College drew students, faculty, staff, and visitors from the local community to the Hodel Center’s café tables and booths, as they listened intently and joined in stirring discussions about everything from the state of the union to challenges confronting homeschooling moms?

While on the Patrick Henry College campus, Olasky also shared his testimony in a fascinating and humorous chapel message detailing chapters of his early life and journalistic career, when he was a practicing atheist and Communist. Each day saw him holding court at points across the Patrick Henry College campus, teaching journalism classes, sharing post-interview luncheons with distinguished guests and students and filming tutorials for upcoming distance learning classes. He and his wife, Susan, a writer and editor for WORLD Magazine and assistant professor of public policy at Patrick Henry College, also met with and mentored a half-dozen student interns who will be writing for WORLD and its various online editions.

“I think it went very well,” Olasky said of the week-long schedule. “We had excellent guests, and the students’ questions were powerful and astute. The students, in particular, impressed me greatly, and I think the interviewees went away with a very positive sense about the College.”

The inviting setting seemed designed for good conversation and proved especially fitting for Wednesday’s interview with soft-spoken Christian author Ann Voskamp, who wrote One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. Querying the author about her creative process while writing One Thousand Gifts, Olasky asked, “So the book some times feels as if you’re preaching to yourself?”

“Exactly, Marvin,” Voskamp replied, speaking barely above a whisper. “I actually preach the Gospel to the person who needs to hear it the most: me. We need to hear the truth of the Gospel over and over and over again. I am chief among sinners. I need the truth of God’s word, and to encounter afresh the grace of Jesus Christ. It is reaching back to me, Marvin.”

Each interview will ultimately appear as a Q&A article in WORLD Magazine and, true to his style, will feature Olasky questions delving not merely into policy analysis or historical fact, but which go deeper into the sometimes personal details of a guest’s background. Exploring these lesser-known chapters of interviewees’ non-public moments demonstrated Olasky’s penchant for research, and often surprised the guests themselves, as when he mentioned the name of a childhood teacher of Arizona Congressman Trent Franks.

A startled, albeit smiling, Franks replied: “I do not know where you got these names and I am going to find out afterward.” As it turns out, Patrick Henry College journalism student Cody Holt assisted Dr. Olasky’s research and helped draft many of the week’s questions.

“Cody was a great help and came up with some good details,” noted Olasky.

The penetrating interview style is, for Olasky, a studied, measured technique, particularly when addressing prominent politicians and public figures. There is, he says, an explicit agenda behind his meticulous preparation that allows him to tap his subjects’ idiosyncratic, rather than strictly official, personas.

“Typically, the pattern of my interviews at the beginning is to have interviewees go through some of their past, particularly when they were students and first began to discern what their calling might be,” he explained. “I think it’s important, especially for Patrick Henry College students, to see world leaders as real live human beings and not just brains on a stick. I want them (subjects) to share about how they first arrived on the road of their present positions, and what they went through while navigating the various turns in their careers. Hopefully, this draws out not just the relevancy of particular policy prescriptions and inside-Washington stuff, but illuminates some of the essences of real living and trying to understand the particular talents that God has given and of the best way to put them to use.

” Of the week’s whirlwind calendar of events, Patrick Henry College Provost Dr. Gene Edward Veith, who is personal friends with the Olaskys, said the prospect of Dr. Olasky’s influence and presence is a boon for both Patrick Henry College and its students.

“To have so many prominent figures on campus,” he said, “from the arenas of politics, public policy, scholarship, and literature, and for our students to be able to not only listen to but also to interact with them, created the kind of stimulating atmosphere associated with the very best institutions of higher education.” Watch our website for news of upcoming Olasky events at Patrick Henry College. To listen to audio or view video archives of these interviews, go to the Patrick Henry College Newsmakers Media Page at www.phc.edu/newsmakers.

Factors to Consider When Looking for a College

Choosing which college to go in can be one of the hardest choices you will ever have to make in your life and taking your time is justified. You wouldn’t want to go to a bad college just because you were asked to rush your opinion. Colleges like Patrick Henry College that offer nothing except the best to students are not easy to find. Keep in mind certain factors to help you get into a decent university. 

Academic majors available 

If you already know what you want to study, you can easily and conveniently check to see if the colleges on your short list offer the specific major you want. If you are one of those thousands of people who still don’t have their major figured out, make sure the colleges you are interested in have a wide variety of majors to choose from. This can help you explore and select your ideal field without shifting to another college. 

Affordable cost of attendance 

The cost of higher education can have long-term implications on your life. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a college. Always ask about tuition and the fees but don’t let the sticker price of your dream college scare you. 

 Ask about financial aid opportunities and scholarships. Most of the time, scholarships can bring the tuition cost down to a reasonable level. 

The campus must make you feel at home

You are bound to spend a couple of years around the campus, and you will be expected to make the campus your home. Therefore, it is essential that the on-campus facilities and amenities are to your liking. 

Patrick Henry College has everything you are looking for in a college. Make sure you research thoroughly before choosing the college of your dreams.

Strategic Intelligence Major at Patrick Henry College By Rachel Cochran

Patrick Henry College's Strategic Intelligence program seeks to integrate quality classroom education with practical experience, leadership opportunities, and a classical liberal arts perspective. 

Patrick Henry College seeks to provide its students with a classical Christian liberal arts education that combines a unique fusion of three distinctives that set Patrick Henry College apart from any other college in the world. These distinctives are a commitment to high academic rigor, unwavering biblical worldview, and fidelity to the spirit of the American founding. 

The Strategic Intelligence in National Security Major is unique because it equips students with a respect for the intelligence function and its role in defending a free society, and cultivates their ability to anticipate moral, ethical, and mission challenges in order to defend the security of the United States.

Goal

Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence Program seeks to provide students with a rigorous and systematic study of intelligence and fully equip our students so that they may influence and lead the intelligence and national security endeavors of the United States.

Patrick Henry College seeks to educate its students in excellence and to lead for Christ and for liberty. This is even more imperative in such a volatile period for the United States as the present. National security concerns have been pushed to the forefront and American policy makers strive to make the country a safer place.

This makes discovering truthful information more important than ever. Patrick Henry College Strategic Intelligence Program helps students become a vital asset to American policy makers, as they generate both accurate and relevant data. Additionally, ethical retrieval and interpretation of information requires strategic operations and analysis grounded in strong morals. 

Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence program focuses on training students as skilled analysts so that they will have a positive impact on US national security and policy-making decisions. We prepare our students to commit themselves to a generational opportunity for emerging, young leaders in the Intelligence profession.

Strategy

Students are provided with the best teachers in the field as well as connections to launch them into a career path in intelligence. Patrick Henry College faculty consult with a Board of Advisors comprised of nationally recognized experts in intelligence and national security. 

Our school’s Strategic Intelligence program prepares students to be outstanding intelligence professionals, by combining a classical liberal arts core curriculum, SI core courses, and major electives in intelligence with a strong focus on moral imagination and professionalism. 

Patrick Henry College is unique in that it has a comprehensive core of 63 credits. In this way, students acquire broad knowledge and gain the skills, and experience they need to compete effectively for positions in the intelligence and national security industries.

Patrick Henry College highly esteems its classical Christian liberal arts education that prompts students to think carefully about life’s biggest questions: what is good, what is right, what is true? And perhaps most importantly, how ought Christians to go about addressing the world’s problems? This foundation is vital to producing ethical and knowledgeable leaders in today’s international world.

Faith-Based Education

Strategic Intelligence at Patrick Henry College is taught in the framework of an unwavering biblical worldview. Jesus came “to serve, rather than be served”. In the same way, intelligence is a “service profession.” There is a great need for moral leadership in the intelligence profession as there is in all of life.

Patrick Henry College’s Intelligence curriculum examines government practice and covers a thorough analysis of the objectives of government action in particular circumstances in addition to considering the ethical questions. In doing so, PHC students are prepared for careers where they can most effectively serve for Christ and for liberty.

Intelligence

Strategic Intelligence at Patrick Henry College is a culmination of a Christian Liberal Arts education for future leaders of a nation increasingly dependent on knowledge management. It’s Mission is to prepare Christian men and women for service in the United States National Security enterprise. 

It does this through applying Patrick Henry College’s Liberal Arts framework to intelligence training both in the classroom and out. The program cultivates teaching relationships between students and distinguished faculty who are industry professionals in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Positioning students in an apprenticeship-oriented program means vital placement in high-value internships that complete the security clearance process upon graduation. As a result, graduates of the program transition easily into US National Security, community service, and leadership roles, ready to shape the culture for Christ and for Liberty.

Program

The requirements for admission in the Patrick Henry College Strategic Intelligence program are a GPA of 3.0 or better, submitting a satisfactory written application and oral interview, students in this major are also expected to observe and keep all security and confidentiality agreements. 

The Strategic Intelligence Program at Patrick Henry College offers students the opportunity of a lifetime. The program involves faculty that are industry professionals with decades of Intelligence Community experience and academic credentials. 

These faculty are heavily involved in their field as they are advised and supported by a Board of Advisors consisting of nationally recognized experts in the intelligence and foreign policy fields. Students will not be in want of connections as a regular stream of former and current senior Community professionals also routinely interact with Strategic Intelligence students in small classroom settings. 

Strategic Intelligence students at Patrick Henry College study the unique history and development of intelligence gathering agencies, the role of intelligence in foreign policymaking, and the application of modern intelligence data collection and analysis techniques. 

Major courses include History of American Intelligence, Intelligence Research & Analysis, Law Enforcement & Civil Liberties, Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, International Relations, and Comparative Politics. This is taken on top of Patrick Henry College’s comprehensive 63-credit core. 

Apprenticeship Methodology

Strategic Intelligence students benefit from Patrick Henry College’s apprenticeship methodology by having opportunities through senior-year to intern at important intelligence organizations. Multiple Program graduates have interned at such three-letter agencies as the CIA, FBI, DIA, DHS, NGA, and ONI, as well as in the White House, US State Department, USAF Intelligence, Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS), and the Pentagon.

Patrick Henry College believes that there is an unacceptable status quo in higher education. Policy makers need to be accurately informed by individuals who understand the importance of the American tradition of holding high Christ and Liberty in an ethical, servant-focused, and knowledgeable way. By majoring in Strategic Intelligence at Patrick Henry College, students can partake of this great opportunity.

Patrick Henry College- Importance of Biblical Studies in a Student’s Life

There are a plethora of elements that can mold the lives of students in unimaginable ways. Patrick Henry College is house to some of those magnificent elements. While the academic courses help in building up the intellect of the students, secondary courses like music, literature, and Biblical studies help in building up their character. In this article, all we are going to talk about how vital it is to incorporate God's words and verses in our lives.

The Bible is an incredible book of knowledge. It comprises of divine facts which proves that there is a God that created the world. Bible is the word of God. And there is nothing better than indulging in reading the holy book. Many reasons can compel the students to study the word of God at the college. Let us find out.

The word of God is infallible

There is neither a flaw nor an error in God's word. Whatever laws the Lord made are perfect concerning our souls. The Lord's testimony is not only infallible; it is inerrant as well. The purity of God's word does not need anything added to it. It requires no blending of the external elements. In the Bible, God has warned not to misrepresent His scripture. 

The word of God builds up the character of the students

In today's era, it is the need of the hour to make the students involved in the words of God. With everything that is happening across the world, it is vital to believe in everything the God says. In a world so ruthless, Patrick Henry College teaches the students to be compassionate through the verses of the Bible. This is the mere reason of introducing Biblical studies in the academics. 

The word of God is authoritative

As the students study God's word, they are most likely to experience absolute divinity. It is known for a fact that Lord speaks to you through his scriptures. And if we make students study those scriptures at college, they are sure to seek a sense of authority from the voice of the Lord. This would encourage them to indulge in God-pleasing actions.

A sense of empathy is born

When we compel our students to study the word of God, we are encouraging them to be more empathetic, more sensitive, and considerate towards other peoples' feelings. It is the need of the hour to teach our students the word of God. This will help them become better people and make this a better world to live in.

These are a few of the reasons that compel Patrick Henry College to introduce Biblical studies in their curriculum. And if you long to become one of the most devoted and compassionate people out there, indulge in the course of Biblical studies.

Patrick Henry College- Need For Re-Innovating Education For Future Generations

The education system in modern times has been restricted to rote learning or learning without much practical implication. Most of the educational institutes are teaching the children the ways to climb up a corporate ladder, have a nice car, and lots of material possessions. They are making significant achievements professionally but are forgetting the cultural values that will help him follow the right path. Also, they are not taught life skills so that they can learn to manage their mental health. One can make the overall development of their child by enrolling him at Patrick Henry College. Here are a few skills that are taken care of while you enroll here:

Inculcation of religious values: Colleges nowadays focus on preparing their students for the corporate world. This makes them like a machine as they do not know how to deal with life. They are not preparing them for life and their future by not emphasizing life skills. 

Patrick Henry College focuses on the overall development of a child. Started with the motive to spread Christian education with us. 

Practical based knowledge – While most colleges follow the education pattern, which is very old and hasn’t been updated much. This college emphasis on learning by doing concept. Thus the classes are made interactive using the latest technology in learning and the labs which are equipped with the latest equipment.

Learn at home – Sometimes, the financial situation of a person restricts him to work, and this sometimes puts a halt on their education. Don’t let your passion for knowledge die as this college also offers online education. Thus you can learn at the comfort of your home according to your time availability. This would help you to carve your way towards growth and success.

Personal grooming and soft skills training – What makes a student job-ready is their soft skills and the way they dress up for interviews. Thus soft skills and interview ethics are inculcated as a part of the college curriculum. This makes a student confident and paves a way towards a successful future of a child.

Thus a student is ready for life as an adult or for work-life only if there is an overall development of the child. Also, the inculcation of moral values in a child makes them better citizens of the country. Without knowledge and skills combined with human values, life would be purposeless. The quest for knowledge should never stop. Don’t let your work life come in the way of your growth. Thus enroll your child at Patrick Henry College and make way towards a better future of your child.

Scholarship Program 2020 at Patrick Henry College

                                         

            For many students who attend Patrick Henry College depends upon scholarships and financial aids in order to cop up with college expenses. These Scholarships and financial help is provided by Patrick Henry College itself in order to assist the students to fulfill their dream to learn from one of the most reputed and finest Christian colleges in USA. Scholarships are given to only eligible students who have been admitted to the college and have submitted all the scholarship application materials. A student may certify more than one scholarship from among academic, merit, endowed, and need-based. But remember, the number of scholarship awards is not based on qualifications but on available funding each year.

Academic Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship of Patrick Henry College. This scholarship is awarded to the students on the basis of their high school marks, standardized test scores, personal interview and the quality of the admissions application. Approximately $14,000 is awarded annually under this scholarship scheme.

Endowed scholarships are awarded by Patrick Henry College based on a particular criteria specified by the donor. No application is required for this type of scholarship. Scholarships that fall under this category are given according to quality or excellence of students in a particular subject. For instance, The Dr. Robert William Rogers Endowment of Excellence in Biblical Studies, The Dr. Robert Taylor Rogers Endowment of Excellence in Math & Science, The Walter & Elizabeth Folkomer Memorial Scholarship etc.

Patrick Henry College is committed to honor students who are excelled in forensics competitions, classical education, leadership, service, or music. A student has to apply for Merit Scholarship according to his eligibility. Forensics Scholarship with annual award of $500 to $10,000, Strategic Intelligence Scholarship with annual award of $500 to $5,000, Music Scholarship with $500 to $3,000 per year etc. is included in Merit Scholarships.

Although a majority of scholarships given by Patrick Henry College are merit-based scholarships yet, scholarships based on need are provided to the needful students. The amount of price given in Need-Based Scholarships varies according to the need reflected in  submitted documents.

Apart from these scholarships, students are also provided with Ariana's Children Memorial Scholarship to support international studies, PHC Alumni Association Tuition Scholarship for affording education expenses and HSLDA Online Academy Alumni Scholarship every year.

Wing chapels at Patrick Henry College – Testimonies

   

The stories

Besides learning about God and the scriptures, wing chapel also allows students to get to know each other on a more personal level. Here’s where Wing Chapel at Patrick Henry College really shows its worth. 

Sermons, on the whole, generally revolve around a message from the pulpit to a congregation and there is very little interaction between individual congregation on a one-on-one level. But in the setting of wing-chapel, interactions are a whole lot more personal and give students a space to share on an individual level. 

In freshmen wings, new students are encouraged to share their testimonies. Revelations 12:11 puts great emphasis on the power of stories in the Christian life. It reads:

“For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God. They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb andby the word of their testimony.”

These stories are more than just encouragement. Students can learn more about each other and experiences in college during these meetings. While upperclassmen benefit from hearing from the stories of freshmen, the lower classes can always count on the two-or three years in college from Seniors. It’s not much of a gap, but a lot of change happens at college. Wing chapel is always a good way to find advice and support at Patrick Henry College. 

Behind the purpose

Patrick Henry College is built on three ideas. One of them is academic rigor, another is fidelity to the spirit of the American founding. The third is an unwavering dedication to a Biblical worldview. Those aren’t just suggestions or guidelines—they are the core of what Patrick Henry College is all about. In that light, wing chapel is one of the most important part of the mission of Patrick Henry College and encourages its students to continue living out that mission—even long after college.

Author Bio

Leo Briceno is currently studying Political Journalism at Patrick Henry College; a classical Christian liberal arts college in Purcellville, Virginia. Leo has grown up in Norther Virginia and after graduation, plans to stay in the area to work in the news industry in Washington D.C.