Hillsdale College

Introduction

Hillsdale College, located in Hillsdale, Michigan, is a private, conservative Christian liberal arts college. It was founded in 1844 by members of the Free Will Baptists. The college’s mission is rooted in the Western heritage, combining Greco-Roman culture and the Christian tradition. Its core curriculum includes courses on the Great Books, the U.S. Constitution, as well as biology, chemistry, and physics. Since the late 20th century, Hillsdale College has chosen not to accept governmental financial support and relies solely on private donations to support its operations and fund students’ tuition. As of 2023, the college is run by president and Claremont Institute co-founder Larry P. Arnn.

History and Founding

In 1844, members of the Free Will Baptist community founded Michigan Central College in Spring Arbor, Michigan. The college was officially non-sectarian but had a religious affiliation. Under President Daniel McBride Graham, the college opened with five students and received government incorporation in 1845. Edmund Burke Fairfield assumed the presidency in 1848, and in 1850, the college was granted the right to confer degrees. The school moved to Hillsdale, Michigan, in 1853 for better access to transportation and became Hillsdale College in 1855. Fairfield’s leadership and the college’s anti-slavery reputation contributed to its involvement in the founding of the Republican Party.

Hillsdale College is no longer denominationally affiliated but maintains a commitment to Christian moral principles.

Events

During the mid-19th century, Hillsdale College played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. The college was a haven for fugitive slaves, and many faculty members and students actively participated in the anti-slavery cause.   

In 1955, Hillsdale College played a pivotal role in the founding of National Review, a prominent conservative magazine. The college’s president at the time, George Roche, was one of the magazine’s founding board members, and National Review’s early editorial meetings were held on the college campus.   

In 2010, Hillsdale College opened the Kirby Center in Washington, D.C. The center serves as a hub for promoting education in constitutional principles and the principles of limited government, free markets, and individual rights.

Notable Programs

Hillsdale College publishes a monthly speech digest, Imprimis with millions of readers across the United States. Imprimis features essays and speeches by notable thinkers, including politicians, scholars, and public intellectuals.   

The Center for Constructive Alternatives (CCA) is a program offered by Hillsdale College that hosts public lectures, seminars, and conferences. The program brings renowned speakers and experts from various fields to campus, fostering intellectual exploration and promoting constructive dialogue on important topics. 

Hillsdale College also operates an independent K-12 classical school known as Hillsdale Academy. The program focuses on the classical liberal arts tradition, offering a rigorous curriculum designed to provide students with a broad and deep knowledge base.