Helms School of Government preserves namesake’s vision, marks 20 years of Training Champions for Christ
Since 2004, the Helms School of Government has remained true to its mission of Training Champions for Christ as a vital component of the Liberty University community. In celebration of the school’s 20th anniversary, it is fitting to reflect on the legacy of its namesake, former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms.
In the latter portion of the 20th century, the senator from North Carolina and Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty’s founder, both grew increasingly popular for their biblical Christian worldviews in the political sphere. Falwell’s decision in 1979 to help transform the silent majority into the Moral Majority was the catalyst bringing these giants together.
Falwell exemplified his Christian worldview by rallying, encouraging, and motivating Christians to engage in the political realm. He called the masses to action through voting, promoting biblical Christian ethics in the public sphere, and emulating Christ’s example of service. Helms provided legislative support for biblical policies. Their collaboration formed the influential Moral Majority as they stood together on positions that included numerous moral and cultural issues, such as school prayer, abortion, due process of law, and more.
Sen. Jesse Helms with Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell in 1983
Similar to our modern era, the secular world rejected several of Helms’ policies, mischaracterizing them as uncaring and ultra-radical. Regardless, the Moral Majority remained resolute to its Christian principles. Helms famously stated, “I answer first to my Creator, then to my conscience. If they brought conflict or created some pressure, that was the price of doing business the way I thought was right.”
Helms developed his strong conservative views as a young man growing up in rural North Carolina during the Great Depression. During World War II, he served God and his country in the United States Navy, later becoming a radio and newspaper commentator. His upbringing and service to our great nation led him to believe that “being an American is the greatest fortune that can befall a human being.”
In October 2004, the School of Government was established and named in Helms’ honor and charged with training and educating Champions for Christ in the governmental arena. During the naming ceremony, Helms shared a word of caution with faculty, staff, and students.
“There’s an effort to silence those who practice their Christian faith in the public arena,” he said. “But, contrary to many modern voices, biblical truths have never threatened America. They have, instead, helped to make this nation great.”
The senator followed this warning with a call to action: “It is up to each generation to step into this arena. The victories of yesterday will not last long. Evil is always on the march. But as we know, God is greater than the evil forces of this world.”
Helms’ words are just as true today as they were when spoken on our campus 20 years ago.
The senator entered into glory in 2008 at the age of 86. However, his legacy lives on at Liberty and through the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, N.C. The workspaces, classrooms, and hearts and minds of the countless graduates of the Helms School of Government have been shaped by his faithfulness.
Before his passing, Sen. Helms left us with one parting thought that his good friend Dr. Falwell would no doubt have agreed with: “Young men and women, don’t ever miss an opportunity to stand up for what is right in the sight of God.”
ABOUT THE HELMS SCHOOL: BUILDING SERVANT LEADERS
In the last 20 years, the Helms School of Government has trained over 20,000 Christ-centered men and women with the principles, values, knowledge, and skills to positively impact their communities as servant leaders.
The school currently enrolls nearly 1,000 residential students and 12,000 online students, which includes over 3,000 doctoral students.
Degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with dual degrees in government and public administration, international relations, intelligence and national security, pre-law, criminal justice, and more.
About half of the school’s programs are in criminal justice. The Helms School maintains close working relationships and is actively collaborating with several local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies. Projects include supporting the FBI and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s fusion cell with analytical support, internships, simulation and exercises, partnerships on human trafficking in Latin America, and more.
The school has plans to launch a Center of Excellence for Criminal Justice dedicated to the education, training, and professional development of law enforcement and other public safety personnel, criminal justice students, and civilians interested in the field. The center will encompass three core programs: a Command College for executive leadership and mid-level management, a training program for undergraduate students, and a professional services training program for civilians.
“The wisdom I have gained in my education within criminal justice is unmatched,” said Harrison Shanton, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security. “Most people see law enforcement as simply picking up a gun and a badge, but Liberty University’s program has taught me how much more there is to Criminal Justice in being an honorable leader who reflects Christ by helping others.”
The Helms School faculty represent a balance of academic scholars and practitioners who provide students with an enriching and fulfilling experience inside and outside the classroom.
“Our faculty are committed to equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to prudently but relentlessly advance biblical principles in all levels of government,” said Dr. Rebecca Munson, an associate professor and department chair.
The Helms School continues to host student trips to offices and embassies in Washington, D.C., establish internships with government organizations, and strengthen its partnerships with federal agencies through the Liberty Analytical Support Initiative. In December, the initiative sent a team to Rome, where students briefed a NATO office on their research regarding national security matters. Government students also publish the school’s peer-review professional journal, the “Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy.” This fall, the school’s Center for Law & Government will recognize America’s upcoming 250th anniversary year during a “Liberty and Justice for All” conference on Constitution Day, Sept. 17.
Over the years, these offerings have prepared Helms School graduates well to assume positions of importance and influence at all levels of government, making a difference today in Congress as House and Senate staff members or in the State Department, Defense Intelligence Agency, FBI, or other government organizations. Still, others’ voices are being heard through national and religious organizations like the Alexander Hamilton Society, The Institute for Religion and Democracy, Christians United for Israel, and more. Many graduates have answered the call to don a uniform, whether as a member of the armed forces or as law enforcement officials serving and protecting their communities.
Inspired by a strong Christian worldview developed and strengthened while at Liberty, these Champions for Christ do not seek positions of influence for power or vain ambition but selflessly serve their communities all for the glory of God.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
MEET the dean
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jason Q. Bohm started as dean of the Helms School of Government on July 1, 2024, after retiring from over 34 years of service to our country. He previously served as Inspector General of the Marine Corps, Chief of Staff for the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, and as Commanding General of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Marine Corps Training Command. He has also served as a strategic planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of the Marine Corps Legislative Liaison Office for the U.S. House of Representatives, and Director of the Expeditionary Warfare School. Bohm participated in Operations Restore Hope, Uphold Democracy, Fairwinds, Sea Signal, Unified Assistance, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, as well as an antiterrorism mission to Bahrain and a deployment in support of U.S. Support Group Haiti.
A native of Ithaca, N.Y., Bohm holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration –Marketing from Illinois Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College at the National Defense University.
