Students Move into The Village at Highlands College
Highlands College has experienced remarkable growth, with enrollment numbers outpacing the availability of on-campus housing. This surge in interest is a testament to the College’s mission of developing leaders with competence, character, and spiritual maturity. However, the challenge of accommodating more students has become mission-critical to avoid turning away those eager to step into their calling.
In November 2023, a significant breakthrough came when the Green Family, founders of Hobby Lobby, presented Highlands College with a $17.5 million challenge gift. This extraordinary contribution expedited the purchase and renovation of an extended-stay hotel adjacent to the College’s campus, now known as The Village at Highlands College.
The challenge gift operates on a matching basis: for every unrestricted dollar raised by Highlands College, the Green Family will match it up to $17.5 million. The College is immensely grateful to the Green Family for their transformational generosity, which will have a lasting impact on generations of future leaders.
The overwhelming response from Highlands College’s community of supporters met the challenge in just over nine months. Kay Hargrave, Chief Advancement Officer, remarked,
“Our incredible community of supporters has matched the Green Family’s gift in just over nine months. Their generosity and overwhelming response to the $17.5M challenge gift bring us another step closer to housing all students on campus and creating a ministry academy model with world-class facilities. We’ve had a memorable start to a new academic year, and we know that the best is still yet to come for the called leaders here at Highlands College, America’s Ministry Leadership University.”
A New Home for Students
Phase I of The Village at Highlands College was completed in early August 2024, welcoming over 100 students to their new on-campus home. This milestone marks a major step in creating a collegiate environment that provides housing and fosters a strong sense of community, one of the core values of the Character Formation Pillar.
The Village offers more than just accommodation—it is a space designed for students to live, grow, and thrive as they prepare for leadership roles in ministry and beyond. Community and connection are central to the experience, and the thoughtfully designed living spaces reflect that mission.
Looking Ahead: Phase II and Beyond
Phase II of The Village is already underway, with completion slated for fall 2025. This second phase will expand The Village’s capacity, providing room for 280 students in 140 new rooms. The new facilities are designed with intentionality, creating spaces where students can engage in community-building and deepen their relationships with fellow future ministry leaders.
As Highlands College continues to grow, the development of The Village is a critical piece of the College’s broader vision: to provide world-class facilities that support the holistic development of students—spiritually, academically, and relationally.
Join the Mission
The success of The Village at Highlands College is a testament to the generosity of many, but there is still work to do. Highlands College continues to seek partnerships and support to ensure that every student can live on campus and fully engage in the vibrant life of Highlands College as they choose a life of eternal impact.
To learn more about The Village at Highlands College and other giving opportunities, please email us at campaign@highlandscollege.edu.