Brief Biography:

‍Samantha Malcolm was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Hillsdale alumnus Jason Malcolm and his wife, LaNae. Her family moved to rural Ohio, where Samantha and her siblings were nourished by the Ohio countryside and were classically educated by their mother. Samantha grew to love classical education, though she hardly knew what it was.

Samantha followed in her father’s footsteps and attended Hillsdale College, where she majored in Politics with a Business minor. The notion of becoming a teacher would never have entered her mind had not Dr. Arnn suggested it. After graduation, Samantha returned to Toledo and taught for two years at Northwest Ohio Classical Academy: first, as a fifth-grade teacher, and second, as a high school literature teacher. It was a challenge unlike any she had ever encountered, and yet she loved it.

Samantha is eager to pursue a Master’s degree in Classical Education alongside peers of the same heart and mind. She looks forward to returning to the classroom better equipped to lead the next generation.

Research Interests:

‍The Christian influence on the classical tradition of education, particularly in literature and art education; the history of female education in the tradition.

Post-Graduation Plans:

‍Teaching of some sort.

Extracurricular Academic Activities:

‍Club tennis, drawing, Bible study.

What Brought You to Hillsdale?

‍In spite of the surging demand for classical education, very few know what it is they seek. Few classical educators themselves know what sort of education they endeavor to provide and how to go about providing it. As a classically educated student, I knew the way in which classical education was supposed to feel, but as a teacher, I felt incompetent. I came to Hillsdale College aspiring to the wisdom of those classical educators—past and present—whom I am now privileged to call my teachers.

What Has Been the Thing You’ve Appreciated Most About Your Time Here?

‍I can only say what has been said: it’s the people. Peers. Staff. Professors. They fix their eyes upon the highest things, and none can help but look where they gaze. They go about their work cheerfully, and none can help but look in admiration. They put others above themselves, and none can help but aspire to their kindness.

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