Suzanne Carroll, from left, Ashley Mills, Emily Joy Felts and Lacey Gaulreaux take part in a homemaking lesson. The program reinforces traditional gender roles with lessons that include cleaning, cooking and how to graciously submit to a husband’s leadership. My created purpose as a woman is to be a helper. This is a college education that I can use, Felts says. (Rex C. Curry / For The Times)
Patterson’s lectures focus on God’s visions of womanhood. Her husband Paige Patterson is the college president and both view the homemaking program as a way to further the Christian faith. (Rex C. Curry / For The Times)
Donella Cecrle, foreground, takes notes on a laptop while fellow students Suzanne Carroll, from left, Ashley Mills, Emily Joy Felts, Kristin Lollar and Sarah Babler use the traditional method. Cecrle left a high-paying job that had her traveling the nation selling computer software to stay home and take care of her children. She credits the class with helping restrain her take-charge instincts. I have to be able to shut my mouth, she says. (Rex C. Curry / For The Times)
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The Bible forms the foundation of the women-only class taught by Patterson. (Rex C. Curry / For The Times)
