Muskegon Sun

Megan Akers says the four years she spent at Patrick Henry College (PHC) in Purcellville, Virginia, were the most formative of her life. 

“Classes and chapel solidified my beliefs about the nature of God, man and the world, and how to articulate those beliefs,” Akers told the Muskegon Sun. “PHC gave me the vocabulary to express truth, appreciate beauty and admire goodness.”

Akers credits her professors for leading her to a career in teaching.

Megan and Ryan Akers met while studying at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia.

“They not only taught me pedagogy but each professor modeled it,” she said. “My professors balanced vast knowledge with humility and deep wisdom with care for the lowliest freshman.”

In addition to homeschooling her four children, who range in age from 2 to 9 years old, Akers also teaches high school literature at a local homeschool partnership called the Artios Academy of Grand Haven, where she consciously aspires to follow the example of PCH professors when writing a lesson plan or beginning a class. 

“My favorite part of teaching is witnessing the talent and enthusiasm of my students,” she said. “They act out some ridiculous skit adaptations, write hilarious stories and compose poignant lyrics. Then there is the thrill of reading together the best books ever written.”

Founded in the year 2000, PHC is the brainchild of Michael Farris, a constitutional attorney and homeschool pioneer, and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Although PCH is not exclusively for college students who were homeschooled, 78% of its current student population fall in that category, according to the school website.

“Both professors and students have created a culture in which excellence is expected but also grace is given,” Akers said. “Not only do the professors teach excellently and hold students to high standards, they care for the student as a whole person.”

While studying at PCH, Akers made lifelong friends that include her husband.

“Even more than the professors, my classmates have shaped my life,” she said. “They were my bedrock during my husband's deployment, and I still turn to them first with prayer requests, parenting questions and teaching dilemmas.”

Her husband, Ryan, was in the Marine Corps. before becoming a Michigan State trooper.

Megan Akers says she still continues to learn from her former classmates and professors.

“PHC is set apart by its professors,” she said. “They gave up opportunities at larger institutions because they love the students and want to pour into their lives. Many years later, my professors still remember my name, encourage me as a mother and teacher, and challenge me to walk faithfully with God.”