Michael Farris, the founder of Patrick Henry College and former CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, has been elected as the Chairman of the Arizona Christian University (ACU) Board of Trustees. This decision was made during the university's annual fall meeting in late September.
Farris is currently serving his second year on the ACU Board. He is known for founding Patrick Henry College and leading it as President and Chancellor. Additionally, he established the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and has argued two cases before the United States Supreme Court.
ACU President Len Munsil expressed enthusiasm about Farris's new role: “We are thrilled to have Mike Farris join and now lead the ACU Board of Trustees,” Munsil stated. He highlighted Farris's significant contributions to conservative Christian leadership, home schooling advocacy, and higher education.
Farris also serves as General Counsel for the National Religious Broadcasters. He explained his motivation for joining ACU: “Jay Vernon McGee once said that there are three kinds of people—believers, nonbelievers, and make-believers,” Farris noted. “Colleges also fit that description. When I find a Christian institution that is the real thing and pursues both excellence and kingdom impact, I want to help in any way I can.”
Farris succeeds Tom Okarma, who served six years on the Trustee Board before stepping down in accordance with ACU’s governance standards requiring a break after such a tenure.
Other board members who completed their terms include Dr. Jim Baugh, Wayne Mihailov, Rick Blankenship, and Mike Morrell. Howard Morrison joined the board at its September meeting; he is a partner at Morrison Ranch in Gilbert with experience in pastoral roles.
President Munsil emphasized ACU’s commitment to its mission: “As ACU continues to grow...our Board will become even more of a national board,” he said. Each Trustee candidate will be vetted for alignment with ACU’s conservative mission.
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