Janet Huckabee among School of Government guest speakers

Janet Huckabee, wife of presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, speaks to Liberty University students on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

This week, students in Liberty University’s Helms School of Government had the opportunity to learn about two areas of government — legislation and justice — from high-profile guests in those fields. On Wednesday, they learned about campaigning from Janet Huckabee, wife of Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. On Tuesday, they had an inside look at the practice of law and the appellate court system from Chief Judge Glen Huff of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Huckabee spoke to a group of about 65 students in the Helms School of Government’s Round Table Room on Wednesday afternoon, sharing her experiences from the governor’s mansion and the campaign trail, as well as from serving on the boards of several charitable organizations. She credited her success in these roles to the time she spent serving alongside her husband in ministry. Huckabee strongly supports her husband’s campaign because of her five grandchildren — she wants to ensure they can experience the same great country that she has.

“I don’t want my grandchildren to say, ‘You taught me how to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, but what were you doing for our country when we were $18 trillion in debt,’ … or ‘you taught me how to sing the Star Spangled Banner but what did that mean?’” she said.

Huckabee encouraged students to be active in politics and expressed her wish that everyone could run for office at least once in their lives.

“We have such an opportunity in this country, such a freedom to do the things we do, and the political process is part of that,” Huckabee said. “The political process, I hope, is something that you will get involved in. It is really unique; it is an exciting process.”

Huckabee took time to answer questions from the audience on topics ranging from education reform to how to stay strong in one’s faith in the world of politics.

Before meeting with government students, Huckabee attended Convocation, where she was recognized as a special guest.

On Tuesday, students in two government classes heard lectures from Huff, who also held a Q & A for Liberty’s Pre-Law Society and undergraduate moot court teams.

As he advised students on finding success in the legal world, Huff reminded them not to pursue it for the wrong reasons.

“There’s a much higher purpose for practicing law,” Huff said. “I realized that God had a different plan, and that plan was to base what I was doing on developing relationships.”

He said law is a demanding profession and encouraged students to focus on serving God and others.

“(If you) put God first when practicing law, everything else falls into place.”

The Helms School of Government will welcome many other special guests this academic year.

“We are honored that so many influential leaders in government, law, and law enforcement are willing to invest in the lives of Liberty students,” said Shawn Akers, dean of the Helms School of Government.

The School of Government will welcome Bob Vander Plaats, president & CEO of The Family Leader to speak at its Convocation Oct. 26.