Welcome to the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship Program!

The economic crises of the 21st century call for a new generation of Christian leaders with the knowledge and understanding of the principles of economic and political liberty.

To help answer this call, Regent provides a distinct and advanced learning opportunity to a select number of undergraduate students— the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship. Students who participate in this program explore books and ideas that address the relationship between Christianity, public policy, and a market-based economy.

The ten meetings of the Fellowship, facilitated by Dr. Robert Schwarzwalder, are rigorous but informal, beginning with refreshments and then moving into the evening’s discussion. Books and a reading packet are provided at no charge. The meetings will be held beginning in February 2026 and conclude in late April.

Applicants should be juniors and seniors in Regent’s Honors College and will be eligible to attend Acton University in Grand Rapids, Michigan (all expenses, including hotel accommodations, airfare, and meal expenses are paid for by the Hamilton Fellowship). Acton University offers dozens of classes and seminars that integrate sound economics, business, philosophy, theology, and intellectual history and is a place to learn about the classical foundations of economics, philosophy, theology, liberty and how they apply to our culture today. The event will be held June 22-26, 2026.

In addition, during the course of the program, a prominent speaker will be hosted to interact with the students concerning issues of faith, vocation, and economics. Previous speakers have included Dan Forest, then-Lt. Gov. of North Carolina and the Hon. Bill Wichterman, former Special Assistant to Pres. George W. Bush. In our spring 2025 session, the program hosted Mr. Craig Prichard, MBA, Vice-President of First Trust Portfolios.

Students who wish to be included in the program must apply below. The program is recognized as a distinct graduation honor.

Mission & Objectives

Mission

The Alexander Hamilton Fellowship exists to develop Christian leaders who will work to preserve political and economic liberty in the 21st century.

Objectives

Students in the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship will:

Study and comprehend the conditions favorable to economic prosperity and political freedom through study of books in the classical liberal tradition.
Explore and evaluate the legal, religious, and sociological conditions favorable to economic prosperity and political freedom.
Apply biblical principles to questions of political theory and economic thought through the exploration of how these principles and a biblical anthropology inform these topics.
Select students may apply to attend the Acton University program in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 24-27, 2024. Acton University offers more than 100 course taught dozens of leading experts in their fields to advance greater integration of sound economic, business, theological, and intellectual understanding.

Activities

Students will receive their books and other readings free of charge. The first meeting will be the week of March 11, 2024. The program will conclude the week of April 29, 2024. This year, we will read and discuss the following:

Bradley, Anne R. and Art Lindsley, Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism
Wehner, Peter and Arthur C. Brooks, Wealth and Justice: The Morality of Democratic Capitalism

Articles

A reading packet will be provided students at the first meeting.

Faculty Advisor

ROBERT SCHWARZWALDER, PH.D. (History), UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN, SENIOR LECTURER, GENERAL EDUCATION

Dr. Schwarzwalder’s background and research are focused on the intersection of theology, culture, and politics. His background in public policy has been informed by his service on Capitol Hill, the private sector, and various Christian ministries. His op-eds have been published in numerous national publications, ranging from TIME and U.S. News and World Report to The Washington Stand, The Federalist, and The Public Discourse, as well as scores of newspapers and opinion journals. He has been interviewed on National Public Radio, Fox News, CBN News, and other television and radio programs. Schwarzwalder’s scholarly publications include studies of such issues as Marxism, fatherlessness, pornography, and federal economic policy. He and his wife of 42 years, Valerie, make their home in Virginia Beach and have three adult children.

Application Process

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Students selected to participate in this competitive program will be notified no later than one week following the application deadline.

Please apply to become a fellow of the program if you meet the following criteria:

You are an undergraduate student who embraces the opportunity to read, think, and talk about important ideas related to politics, economics, and Christianity;
You are committed to contributing to each discussion;
You have time to devote to a challenging set of readings;
You are a person who enjoys discussing ideas;
You are willing to put your ideas before a group for critical, sometimes passionate discussion;
You are available for a two-hour meeting on an evening to be determined during the semester and during other times as necessary.

Participants are chosen based upon their application materials. In addition to filling out all application materials, students may be asked to undergo an interview with Dr. Schwarzwalder.

If you wish to be considered for the Alexander Hamilton Program, complete the application form no later than the posted deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Online Application Form

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In a statement of no more than 250 words please describe your academic goals (immediate and long-term) and how this program will help you achieve these goals.(Required)

In a statement of no more than 150 words, please describe your reading habits, how you have developed these habits, and how these habits have influenced your understanding of the world around you.(Required)

Please provide a list of five books that you have read and that have influenced your thinking about Christianity, theology, philosophy, politics, history, or economics.

Please provide any additional comments. For example, you may choose to comment on any additional work or academic experience that may be relevant to your candidacy in this program.

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