Hannah Scherlacher (’17) never intended to pursue a full-time career in politics. But that changed during her time at Liberty.
“Because most people (at Liberty) shared similar values, my political interest was limited,” Scherlacher said. “But hearing messages from professors and from guest speakers gave me a better understanding of the importance of bringing my faith to politics and having a positive influence in a field that is known for being corrupt.”
Scherlacher studied advertising and public relations and minored in business. She was also a member of the track & field and cross country teams. She wasn’t sure how she could incorporate politics into a career until she received a call from Liberty alumnus Cabot Phillips (’15), who encouraged her to apply for a job with Campus Reform, where he is media director.
Scherlacher worked in Washington, D.C., as a program manager and opinion writer for the news website, operated by the Leadership Institute. She managed more than 100 student journalists who worked from campuses around the country, helping them defend conservative values.
“At Liberty, I had the privilege of always being encouraged to listen to different ideas,” Scherlacher said. “But as I traveled to different schools, I started to see that that is not the case everywhere. Many students put their reputation, academic standing, and even their own safety on the line to defend their conservative values and their First Amendment rights on campus.”
She heard a Liberty Convocation speaker say, “Never stop trying to understand why people think differently than you,” and uses that in her approach to politics.
“Seeing my political adversaries as people created by God, who happen to think differently based on a number of circumstances, is the most important thing Liberty instilled in me for my political career.”
Now, Scherlacher works as communications manager for President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.
She encourages students who are looking to get involved in politics to start early. Whether it’s attending events or joining clubs on campus, Scherlacher said they don’t have to wait until after college to build their careers.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for young conservatives in politics,” she said. “They have become the counterculture. People are watching closely and are interested in what they have to say.”
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